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A Babylonian Magic Incantation Bowl - otherwise known as a "demon bowl" or "devil trap bowl". Earthenware vessel found in various sites in Syria - present day Iran and Iraq. Placed in the corners of rooms where demons were believed to sneak in through cracks in the floors and walls, the bowl was buried facedown to lure the demons inside. The writing on the inside spirals toward the center, the magical spell weaving a snare to trap the evil demon. They are normally inscribed in one of 3 Aramaic dialects - Jewish-Aramaic (as on this bowl),Syriac, and Mandaic.
6 1/8" wide, 2 1/4" deep. Bowl has had some repairs, but is in complete and wonderful condition.
Antiquities
Ancient Near East
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