Items Similar to Early 20th Century European Hand-Carved Wooden Grogger

18th Century Swedish Carved Mangle Board

Old Antique Farmhouse Rustic "Schwingstock" Ornamental Object from 1839

Rustic Country Carved Wooden Yoke

Nautical Folk Art Hand Carved Wooden Whimsy

Sculptural Functional Object, France, 19th Century

Early 19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Mangle Board

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 6

Early 20th Century European Hand-Carved Wooden Grogger

$3,500

£2,667.06

€3,075.86

CA$4,971.05

A$5,341.11

CHF 2,865.50

MX$62,924.46

About the Item

An early 20th-century European hand-carved wooden grogger (or gragger), a traditional noisemaker used during the Jewish holiday of Purim. The grogger produces a loud, clattering sound when spun, symbolizing the act of blotting out the name of Haman, the antagonist in the Book of Esther. Used during Purim celebrations, the grogger plays an essential role in synagogue readings of the Megillah (Book of Esther). Each time Haman’s name is read aloud, congregants spin their groggers to drown it out, symbolizing the erasure of his memory. Made of solid wood, which was carefully hand-carved, showcasing functionality and craftsmanship. The natural wood grain and wear suggest authenticity and age, consistent with early 20th-century European origins. Carvings on the grogger’s body include geometric designs, floral patterns, symbolic motifs, and phrases consistent with various events transcribed in the Book of Esther. On one side of the main body the words "ארור המן" ("Arur Haman") "Cursed be Haman" with a carved illustration of a chamber pot spilling over. On the opposite side, the words " ברוך מרדכי" ("Baruch Mordechai") Blessed be Mordechai are carved into the wood. At the top, a carving of Haman's ten sons hanging is displayed, and at the grogger's fore-end a depiction of Haman Leading Mordechai on the king's horse is beautifully displayed. The grogger consists of a main body and a handle for spinning. A ratchet-like mechanism at the top spins a wooden clapper against the grogger’s body, creating a distinctive, rhythmic noise. The handle is ergonomically shaped for a firm grip, while the overall form is slightly rustic, reflecting handcrafting traditions. Hand-carved wooden groggers from early 20th-century Europe are cherished items and reflect the ingenuity and artistry of Jewish artisans. They are associated with Jewish life in Eastern Europe before the mid-20th-century disruptions caused by World War II. This grogger represents a functional object of religious observance and a piece of cultural heritage, showcasing craftsmanship and Jewish traditions of early 20th-century European communities.

Dimensions:
Height: 9.06 in (23 cm)Width: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Depth: 2.37 in (6 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Europe
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
20th century
Condition:
Minor losses. Some small wormholes on the groggers handle and main body.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5281242796192

More From This Seller

View All

An Antique American Hand-Carved Wood and Silver Seal

Located in New York, NY

A rare and beautifully crafted example of early American Judaica, this hand-carved wood and silver seal is notable for its exceptional artistry and symbolic detail. The prominent han...

Category

Early 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Silver

An Antique American Hand-Carved Wood and Silver Seal

$4,000 / item

18th Century Wooden Torah Pointer from Alsace

Located in New York, NY

Rare Alsace carved wooden Torah Pointer (YAD), 18th century. The body of the pointer is engraved in its first part with a decoration of palmettes and stripes. It then continues with...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Religious Items

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Wooden Torah Pointer from Alsace

$12,750

Late 19th Century German Wooden Torah Pointer

Located in New York, NY

Hand carved wooden Torah pointer, Germany, circa 1880. Folk Art Judaica. Every item in Menorah Galleries is accompanied by a Lifetime "Certificat...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Religious Items

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century German Wooden Torah Pointer

$3,815

A Hand Carved Wooden Mezuzah Case, Poland-Ukraine Circa 1820

Located in New York, NY

This exquisite hand-carved wooden Mezuzah case, dating back to circa 1820, is a remarkable testament to the rich folk art traditions of the Jewish communities in Poland and Ukraine. ...

Category

Antique 1820s Ukrainian Religious Items

Materials

Wood

A Hand Carved Wooden Mezuzah Case, Poland-Ukraine Circa 1820

$9,500

A German Wood and Brass Torah Pointer

Located in New York, NY

A German Wood and Brass Torah Pointer. This Torah Pointer is made of wood and brass and painted black, unlike most Torah pointers which were made in Germa...

Category

20th Century German Religious Items

Materials

Brass

A German Wood and Brass Torah Pointer

$3,500

A Carved Wooden Decorative Box by Ilya Schor

Located in New York, NY

Ilya Schor (1904-1961) was a renowned artist and artisan, known for his work in various mediums including painting, engraving, and metalwork. He was particularly celebrated for his c...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

A Carved Wooden Decorative Box by Ilya Schor

$3,400

Antique 18th Century Swedish Primitive Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Carved Mangle Board

$2,200

Old Antique Farmhouse Rustic "Schwingstock" Ornamental Object from 1839

Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL

A unique antique schwingstock from 1839, used in the traditional processing of flax. This original farm implement is made of solid oak and bears both the initials of the original own...

Category

Antique 1830s German Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Oak

Old Antique Farmhouse Rustic "Schwingstock" Ornamental Object from 1839

$557

Rustic Country Carved Wooden Yoke

Located in Queens, NY

Rustic Country-style carved wooden yoke mounted as a wall decoration.

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown British Colonial Antiquities

Rustic Country Carved Wooden Yoke

$550

Nautical Folk Art Hand Carved Wooden Whimsy

Located in Brooklyn, NY

American whimsy with traditional 'ball in cage' decoration, all carved and whittled from one continuous piece of wood, circa early 20th century. The bottom tip suggests that this pie...

Category

Vintage 1910s American Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood

Nautical Folk Art Hand Carved Wooden Whimsy

$300

Sculptural Functional Object, France, 19th Century

Located in Antwerp, BE

This unique wooden stool, originally used as a small child's seat, features a bold, sculptural base and hand-carved detailing that echo the spirit of late 19th to early 20th century ...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rustic Children s Furniture

Materials

Wood

Sculptural Functional Object, France, 19th Century

$920

Early 19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Mangle Board

Located in Greenwich, CT

Charming early 19th Century Swedish folk art mangle board having a stylized horse handle, the body with geometric carving and traces of original polychrom...

Category