Ottoman Shifa bowl Konya

Shifa bowl from Konya, 19th century, brass

Ø approx.: 15 cm

Magical bowls or Shifa bowls did not offer continuous talismanic protection, but were only used when needed. A liquid, such as water, was poured into the bowl, and the Koranic verses and magical diagrams imbued the liquid medium with healing and protective properties. The sick person then drank the liquid in the hope of relief and recovery.