Ceramic
500–800 CE
Iraq
Vorderasiatisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient Mesopotamia
Theme
Writing
Subtheme
Writing and the Divine
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
Iraq; (ancient Babylonia)
Measurements
6.2 x (dia.) 15.7 cm
Accession Number
VA 02492
Description
Script and language: Aramaic
This bowl is magic. Turned upside down and buried in a home or courtyard, the words written on it trapped demons or evil spirits – like the one drawn in the middle here. The Aramaic incantations mention Samis (sun) and the six other Babylonian planetary gods.
In some traditions, bowls were inscribed with magic healing verses. Filled with water or medicine, they were believed to cure the sick.
