Romain antique Plomb Tablettes de malédiction

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.

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