Tribe of Levi - Salvador Dali

Tribe of Levi
State Medal, 1994 5754

Tribe of Levi Medal is the eighth in series of the Twelve Tribes created by Salvador Dali in honor of the Anniversary of the State of Israel. The Tribe of Levi is depicted by the artist as a sailboat upon a red sea as a symbol of the disputed waters in Moses' blessing (Deuteronomy 33:8). The Tribe of Levi did not receive any geographical territory and had no land of its own. The body of the sailboat resembles a precious stone, symbolizing the breastplate in the Tabernacle for which the Levites were responsible. The sail suggests the Tent of Congregation. Moses and Aaron, who led the Israelites out of Egypt, were Levites. The high priesthood and leadership of the nation fell upon this tribe.

Obverse:
Tribe of "Levi" - a colored silkscreen depicting a sailboat upon a red sea. To the left of the work is the inscription "Levi" in Hebrew and English. Below, the artist's signature.

Reverse:
Dali's work "Hora around the Menorah" from his "Aliyah" series. Below, artist's name in Hebrew.

Edge:
State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL' in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left and serial number. Bronze/tombac medal - "BRONZE" in Hebrew and English; Silver medal - "S 999" in Hebrew and English; gold medal - "G.750" in Hebrew and English.

Serialization: All medals are numbered.

Design:
Graphics - Ronit Berzon
Reverse, sculpture - Mark Salman
Silk screening - Reshet Meshi

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan

Mint:
Bronze/tombac and silver - Kretschmer
Gold - The Government Mint