> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.wellcomecollection.org/transcribe-wellcome/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.wellcomecollection.org/transcribe-wellcome/research/people/private-collectors/canaan-tawfiq.md).

# Canaan, Tawfiq

Tawfiq Cana'an توفيق كنعان Life dates: 1882-1964. Palestinian medical doctor, ethnographer and collector.

Amulets from his collection were acquired in 1930-31 by [Peter Johnston-Saint](/transcribe-wellcome/research/people/alphabetical/johnston-saint.md) on behalf of WHMM. See collections dossier [WA/HMM/CM/Col/20](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/prcankb7) and the online article [A symbol of a lost homeland](https://wellcomecollection.org/articles/X71Z0BMAACMApbYe) by Yasmeen Abdel Majeed, 2020.

### Biography

See <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawfiq_Canaan>

### WA/HMM archives

* [WA/HMM/CM/Col/20](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/prcankb7) - Collections dossier. Includes summary of collection history and amulet registration numbers. Biographical note on Dr Canaan.
* [WA/HMM/CO/Ear/457](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/xdqt6yfd/items?canvas=8) - letter to Dr Kanaan dated 16 April 1913, requesting loan of charms and amulets for the Historical Medical Museum. Annotated 'No record in Loans Register'.
* [WA/HMM/RP/Jst/B.6](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/ppvyjse3) - Peter Johnston-Saint's diary, 6 March 1930. Describes first meeting with Tawfiq Canaan in Jerusalem, and meeting Canaan's sister. (starting on [page image 45](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/ppvyjse3/items?canvas=45))
* [WA/HMM/CO/Sai/D.7](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/pektkcmk) – letter to Dr Canaan from Peter Johnston-Saint 1944 (starting [page image 119](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/pektkcmk/items?canvas=119))
* [WA/HMM/TR/Abc/C.4/1](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/p7hqcrc2) - Transfer documentation. Includes 1984 gift agreement with University of Oxford, Pitt Rivers Museum (starting on [page image 343)](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/p7hqcrc2/items?canvas=343). Gift to Pitt Rivers includes 290 amulets from the Canaan collection ([page image 349](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/p7hqcrc2/items?canvas=349))

### Sources

* [Nashef 2002](https://www.palestine-studies.org/sites/default/files/jq-articles/16_canaan_2_0.pdf)
* [al-Jubeh 2005](https://www.palestine-studies.org/sites/default/files/jq-articles/22_23_magic_1_0.pdf)
* [Publications by Tawfiq Canaan held in Wellcome Collection’s library](https://wellcomecollection.org/works?contributors.agent.label=%22Canaan%2C+Taufik.%22)

Tags: private collector; Middle East