Studia Iranica, vol 17, Sceaux magiques en Iran sassanide.

• Author: Shaked, Shaul

The main strength of this book lies in the attempt, ambitiously undertaken here for the first time, to provide a complete collection, with classification and identification, of Sasanian seals that are likely to belong to the field of magic. In some cases, particularly where the inscriptions are unequivocal, or where the iconography is clearly apotropaic, the identification does not present a major problem, but in many other cases the meaning of the iconography may be in doubt. The interpretation of figurative themes is in most cases quite risky. Thanks to Gyselen's discussion of the motifs and their significance, it is now possible to feel more confident about the incantatory use of many of the themes and figures occurring on Sasanian seals, and to begin to understand the meaning behind many of the scenes depicted. One fine example of this method of analysis is the interpretation of an interesting amulet which has a representation of an eye on one side and a pair of figures on the other (figs. 43a, 43b: discussed on pp. 88f.).

The author establishes a number of plausible criteria which may help us isolate magical glyptic objects, but identification often remains tentative, and we do not always know whether a given seal was made for a practical purpose or for apotropaic use. Frequently, seals that were made for what we call pragmatic aims contain magical emblems and prayer-like texts, which makes the borderline between the two categories hazy. Ultimately, the distinction may not be very important, for seals, like pieces of jewelry, could fulfil two functions at the same time.

Given the dramatic increase in the number of Aramaic and Pahlavi spell bowls recovered from Sasanian Babylonia, a similar study of motifs and meanings in that rich material is also important. Gyselen herself has made a start on this field as well, by discussing some specimens of the iconography of the Aramaic magic bowls (pp. 77ff.). Now that Gyselen's skillful analysis is available, it will be much easier to continue this type of research.

The author attempts some generalizations regarding the character of magic and magicians in the Sasanian empire, but in view of the meager data available, her statements are mostly too general or too speculative. It is to Gyselen's merit that she avoids far-reaching speculation and sticks for the most part to solid facts. One might have expected, for example, some connection to have been made between magic practices and shamanic-type journeys, for which we have evidence in Sasanian literature and epigraphy, but it is clear from this book that there is very little to support such an association in the glyptic art (pp. 73f.).

The attempt to distinguish between Iranian and foreign elements in the available material does not promise solid results, and Gyselen approaches the subject with all due caution and competence. Gyselen - contrary to common opinion - prefers to see in the very widespread motif of the she-wolf giving milk to human infants, not a borrowing from the West, but an indigenous theme (pp. 82-83). This still seems to me an open question, but there is indirect evidence for an Iranian association. An episode among the legends of...