Kalaniot

Shoshana Damari was born in Damar in Yemen. When she was one year old, she emigrated with her family to Israel. At the age of thirteen, she began her artistic career at the Shulamit Studio under the direction of the late Shlomo Bosmi, whom she later married. Her warm, deep voice and vivacious personality quickly made her a popular performer. The best composers wrote songs for her; Moshe Wilenski composed some of her most popular songs, including "Kalaniot" (Poppies) and "The Little Shepherdess of the Valley" which are featured on this medal. Shoshana Damari began to paint in 1973. Her painting "Poppies" is featured on this medal. Damari was awarded the Israel Prize for her life's work in 1988.

Obverse
"Poppies", a painting by Shoshana Damari, in miniature color lithograph. Below, along the circumference, the artist's signature and the word "kalaniot" in Hebrew to the left and in English to the right. Medals in Diameters 14mm., 22mm. and 26mm. with different lithograph.

Reverse
Depicts a shepherdess, illustrating Shoshana Damari's famous song. The words "THE LITTLE SHEPHERDESS" appear along the circumference with the signature of Shoshana Damari.

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; 26 and 50 mm. Silver medal - "S 999.9" in Hebrew and English; 2 mm. gold medal - "G-585" in Hebrew and English; 14 mm. gold medal - milled.

Serialization
Bronze/tombac, silver and 22 mm. gold medals are numbered.

Design
Ronit Berzon, based upon a drawing by Shoshana Damari. Lithography and color separation -David Tamerin.

Engraving
TidharDagan.

Mint
Bronze/tombac and 50 mm. silver - Hecht.
26 mm. silver and 22 mm. gold - The Government Mint. 14 mm. gold - Kretschmer.