Aramaic Lead Magical Text
1st-3rd century A.D. A rectangular sheet-lead panel with columns of lightly incised Aramaic text; the sheet originally rolled tightly. 25.2 grams, 14.5 cm (5 3/4 in.). Acquired 1979-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. The item was possibly meant to be a defixio or curse tablet on which the malediction was recorded and then shut away (by being tightly rolled up) so that the victim could not find it or negate it.