An
incantation bowl, also known as a
demon bowl, devil trap bowl, or magic bowl, is a form of early protective magic found in modern-day
Iraq and
Iran. Produced in the Middle East during the
Late Antiquity from 6th to 8th century AD (see
Asuristan), the bowls were usually inscribed in a spiral, beginning from the rim and moving toward the center. Most are inscribed in
Aramaic languages. The bowls were buried face down and were meant to capture
demons. They were commonly placed under the threshold, courtyards, in the corner of the homes of the recently deceased and in
graveyards.