Qmaha

No, the title of this post does not say “Omaha.” It says “Qmaha,” a term for a particular kind of Mandaean phylactery or amulet. It contains text, which is believed to ward off evil and illness, and iron needles which are thought to be effective protection against evil spirits.

Brian Mubaraki kindly provided me with these photos, and I am very grateful. I will soon be sharing some other resources which he wishes to make available online, and am happy to be able to provide a home for them on the web.

The “dissected” qmaha is a relatively recently-made one, while the other he estimates as being 50 years old.

Click on the images in the gallery below to see them larger.