THREE NEAR EASTERN POTTERY INCANTATION BOWLS
Circa 7th Century A.D.
One inscribed in black ink in three pie-shaped quadrants on the interior, and in two columns on the exterior; one inscribed in a spiral on the interior, terminating in a large spade-shaped element; and one inscribed in a spiral on the interior
6 3/4in. (7.1cm.) diameter for the first (3)
Lot Essay
Incantation bowls are found in Mesopotamia and Iran, usually inscribed in Judaeo-Aramaic, Syriac or Mandaic. It is theorized that they are amuletic, and were used to remove demons from the home.