Bidspirit auction | Pair of Heavy Copper Bowls

Pair of Heavy Copper Bowls for Removing the Evil Eye. Iraq, Late 19th/Early 20th Century - Two large, heavy copper bowls used by Kabbalists for removing ayin hara  from men, women and children. These bowls are a remnant of an ancient custom common among Oriental Jews. When a person wanted to remove the evil eye holding sway over him, he would turn to a Kabbalist, who would conduct the custom as follows: Take several pieces of lead, melt them in a pot (like these bowls). At the same time, take a bowl with water, pass it over the head of the person three times, and at the end, pour the molten lead into the bowl with the water. There are several additional customs in various communities. Round copper plate with remnants of silver plating. Later etching: ”Aharon ben Ya'akov.” Pair of Arabic stamps inside the plate. Diameter: 24 cm. Depth: 4 cm. Round copper plate. Later etching, unidentified, in Hebrew letters.  Diameter: Approximately 26.5 cm. Depth: Approximately 5.5 cm. Overall fine condition. Usage marks. Abrasions and scratches. Light dents.