This clay figurine in the crude shape of a woman was found in the basement of a house located on the eastern side of Karanis. The back of the head was burnt, which might imply that, according to instructions found in magical papyri, it was used in a love spell. Burning was supposed to cause pain in the victim, who could only be healed by going to the person who had commissioned the spell. Moreover, three bone pins were found near the figurine. Since the tip of one of the pins fits in the figurine’s eyeholes, it seems plausible that it was intended to inflict pain on the victim by piercing the eyes.
Clay Doll and Hairpin
Figurine of a woman Clay 44 x 19 x 22 mm 3rd–4th c. AD Karanis, Egypt University of Michigan Excavations, 1928. KM 7525
Hairpin Bone 81 x 3–10 mm 3rd–4th c. AD Karanis, Egypt University of Michigan Excavations, 1928. KM 21776