Ancient Roman Lead Tabullae Defixionum
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Tabullae Defixionum
MATERIAL: Lead
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 74 mm x 28 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990
The tabulae defixionum, or Roman curse tablets, were inscribed sheets of lead or other materials used in the ancient world to invoke supernatural forces for personal purposes, often harm or binding of another person. These curses were typically written in Latin or Greek, and the intent was to call upon gods, spirits, or the dead to interfere in human affairs. People who used curse tablets were seeking to gain control over an adversary, rival, or anyone who had wronged them. Common contexts for such curses included disputes over love, business, legal matters, and even sports competitions. The belief was that the deities or spirits invoked through the tablet would take action on behalf of the petitioner.
These tablets were often deposited in specific places thought to be charged with supernatural power, such as graves, sanctuaries, or bodies of water. They were sometimes pierced with nails to symbolize the binding or immobilization of the victim. Graves and tombs were popular locations because it was believed that the spirits of the dead could assist in carrying out the curse. In some cases, the curse tablets were buried alongside a recently deceased person, perhaps so their restless soul would act on behalf of the curse-maker.
The text of the defixiones typically followed a formula, beginning with the identification of the target, a description of the curse, and a call for divine intervention. They were often accompanied by magical symbols or drawings to amplify their power.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Tabullae Defixionum
MATERIAL: Lead
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 74 mm x 28 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990
The tabulae defixionum, or Roman curse tablets, were inscribed sheets of lead or other materials used in the ancient world to invoke supernatural forces for personal purposes, often harm or binding of another person. These curses were typically written in Latin or Greek, and the intent was to call upon gods, spirits, or the dead to interfere in human affairs. People who used curse tablets were seeking to gain control over an adversary, rival, or anyone who had wronged them. Common contexts for such curses included disputes over love, business, legal matters, and even sports competitions. The belief was that the deities or spirits invoked through the tablet would take action on behalf of the petitioner.
These tablets were often deposited in specific places thought to be charged with supernatural power, such as graves, sanctuaries, or bodies of water. They were sometimes pierced with nails to symbolize the binding or immobilization of the victim. Graves and tombs were popular locations because it was believed that the spirits of the dead could assist in carrying out the curse. In some cases, the curse tablets were buried alongside a recently deceased person, perhaps so their restless soul would act on behalf of the curse-maker.
The text of the defixiones typically followed a formula, beginning with the identification of the target, a description of the curse, and a call for divine intervention. They were often accompanied by magical symbols or drawings to amplify their power.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
2nd - 3rd Century A.D
Name of object
Tabullae Defixionum
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Lead
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
