Suriname #359-361 Jodensavanne Judaica Jewish Savannah Anniv FDC 1968 Paramaribo

Item Specifics

Country

Suriname

Catalog Number

359-361

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

First Day Cover

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

Grade: Ungraded
This is a First Day Cover (FDC) from Suriname, commemorating the historic Jewish settlement of Jodensavanne (Jewish Savanna). This unaddressed philatelic cover was produced for collectors by the well-known Dutch cachet maker, Eise Eisinga, and is identified by the catalog number "E 63". Stamps: The cover is franked with the complete set, Scott #359-361, issued for the Jodensavanne series. Cachet: The cover features a two-color cachet depicting a view of Jodensavanne on the Suriname River. The artwork is noted as being "naar P. J. Benoit," meaning it is based on an original work by the 19th-century Belgian artist Pierre Jacques Benoit, who documented life in Suriname. Combined English Translation: "Jewish Savanna on the Suriname River, after P. J. Benoit. First Day of Issue. Philatelic Service Paramaribo, August 28, 1968. Stamp texts: Jewish Savanna and Suriname River, 'They dwelt on the other side of the river' (Joshua 24:2). Jewish Savanna Synagogue 1685, 'House of Prayer'. Jewish Savanna Tombstone 1733, 'And the tombstone is a witness' (Genesis 31:52)." Postal Markings This FDC features two distinct types of first-day-of-issue cancellations from Paramaribo: Slogan Cancel: Two strikes of a special pictorial postmark were used to cancel the stamps. They read "EERSTE DAG VAN UITGIFTE . 1968 . PARAMARIBO" (First Day of Issue . 1968 . Paramaribo) and feature a prominent Menorah. Circular Date Stamp (CDS): A clear CDS from the philatelic bureau is struck at the top left. It reads "FILATELISTISCHE DIENST PARAMARIBO" (Philatelic Service Paramaribo) with the date 28.VIII.68-- (August 28, 1968). Historical Context for August 28, 1968: This cover celebrates the rich Jewish history of Suriname, centered on the settlement of Jodensavanne. Founded in the mid-17th century by Sephardic Jews fleeing the Iberian Inquisition, Jodensavanne became a thriving and autonomous Jewish agricultural community. It was granted official privileges in 1665, making it a unique center of Jewish life in the Americas. The stamps depict a map of the area's plantations, the historic "Beracha ve Shalom" (Blessings and Peace) synagogue built in 1685, and an ornate tombstone from its cemetery. The settlement was largely abandoned after a fire destroyed it in 1832, but the site remains one of the most important Jewish historical landmarks in the Western Hemisphere.

Seller Information

Seller

2wayrus (830)

Registered Since

03/05/2019

Feedback

99.5%

Store

2colllect

Item Location

Florida, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions