Tribe of Issachar - Salvador Dali Silver

TRIBE OF "ISSACHAR"
State Medal 1996/5756
The "Tribe of Issachar" medal is the ninth in the series depicting the Twelve Tribes, created by Salvador Dali in honor of Israel's 25th anniversary. The establishment of the Jewish State and revival of the people after 2000 years of exile, inspired Dali to create a number of works connected with Judaism and Zionism.

In the Blessing of Jacob, Issachar is described as "a strong ass lying down between the sheepfolds", meaning that, like an ass, he will bear a heavy burden. Issachar will bear the responsibility for maintaining the Jewish heritage throughout the generations. Dali depicts Issachar as a human, hunched over like a beast of burden shouldering its heavy load – a perfect illustration of the blessing's image.

Obverse: The "Tribe of Issachar" – colorful silk print depicting a man hunched over like a beast of burden; "ISSACHAR" inscribed in Hebrew and English and the artist's signature "Salvador Dali".

Reverse: Dali's creation "Dancing the Horah around the Menorah", from his "Aliyah" series and, underneath, the name of the artist in Hebrew.

Edge: The Israel State Emblem, and in Hebrew and English: the words "STATE OF ISRAEL", "BRONZE" on the Bronze Medal, "SILVER 999" on the Silver Medal, "GOLD 750" on the Gold Medal, and serial number.

Designer: Original creation: Salvador Dali
Graphic Design: Ronit Berson
Silk Print: Reshet Meshi
Sculpture on the Reverse: Mark Salman

Mint: Tidhar Dagan, Gold – The Government Mint, Silver and Bronze – Hecht Products, Tel Aviv