Ancient Near East, Sasanian (Sassanian, Sasanid) Empire, Judeo-Aramaic culture, ca. 5th to mid-7th century CE. A fascinating pottery fragment of the central basin of a wheel-thrown bowl. The interior of the fragment features 3 spiraling lines of Aramaic script surrounding an oval that contains another band of script around a standing figure, perhaps a deity. Boasting a minimalist form, the central figure stands atop bent legs with hands on wide hips and displays a stylized head with several projecting, starburst-like striations. Size: 5" W x 4.5" H (12.7 cm x 11.4 cm)
Bowls like this example were traditionally buried under houses to catch demons and thus protect the house; they are also known as incantation bowls or demon bowls. They seem to have been widely used; for example, nearly every house excavated in the Jewish Iraqi settlement of Nippur had one. Some bowls, such as the present example, were used to arouse or restore love between a couple. The bowl would be buried upside-down in order to trap the evil spirit beneath it.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#157103
Condition
Fragment of a larger piece. Abrasions to peripheries as well as a few nicks to surface. Otherwise, very nice with impressive remaining pigments and light earthen deposits throughout. Old collection label just above head of figure.