Arabic Magic Bowls II: An Astrological Bowl

Abstract

THE tasa described here is the one referred to as No. IV in my previous article Arabic Magic Medicinal Bowls in this JOURNAL.' It is of yellow bronze and of good workmanship. The letters are deeply and, on the whole, carefully incised. In some instances the words are, for lack of space, crowded together. Diacritical points are for the most part absent. The figures of the zodiac and planets are distinct and well engraved. Both the interior and exterior of the bowl are completely covered with inscriptions and the usual interlocking ornamentations.2 There are no magic letters or signs, nor does the Most High Name of Seven Symbols 3 or any of its symbols occur on it. The tasa has a diameter of 63/4 inches and a depth of 2 inches. The rim is about 1/4 inch wide.