The Magic of the Written Word: The Evidence of Inscriptions on Byzantine Magical Amulets


Published: Feb 3, 2016
Keywords:
Byzantine period inscriptions ritual language magic magic amulets magic papyri magic lamellae performativity speech act theory J. L. Austin
Vicky A. FOSKOLOU
Abstract

The article explores the apotropaic use of the written word through τhe inscriptions found on Byzantine amulets, i.e. portable items of a private use, which were addressed to a Christian audience and have a magical character because of their depictions, symbols and inscriptions, which are not derived from the traditions of the official Church. The aim of the paper is to investigate the perceptions behind the creation, possession and use of these artifacts and to demonstrate that the written word appearing on these objects has all the characteristics of a ritual language, as defined in anthropological and religious studies.

 

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