Feeding the effigy (1)

Text
The paragraph from the sacred law of Cyrene is similar in content to an Akkadian magic text KAR 124, where for the healing of a sick person, an effigy of “any evil” is produced, placed on the roof next to the sickbed, and tended for three days. Then, to the accompaniment of incantations, the effigy is enclosed in a pot, taken away, and buried in “an abandoned wilderness”.

Cyrene, Sacred law of, LSS 115 B:
If he has been sent to the house, if [the owner] knows from whom he has come on him, he will call his name, pronouncing it three times a day; if he has died in the country or was lost elsewhere, if he knows the name, he will pronounce him by name; if he does not know [he will pronounce]: “Oh you man, whether you are man or woman”; he will make effigies, [one] male and [one] female, from wood or clay; he will receive them [in his house] and present [them] with a portion of everything. When you have done what is customary, then take them into an uncultivated wood and cast them into the ground, the effigies and their portions [of the meal].

Sources (list of abbreviations)
Cyrene, Sacred law of, LSS 115 B
KAR 124

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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