The skandola (,
literally "dwelling of evil" in
Mandaic language) is a ritual
seal used by
Mandaeans to protect against evil.
[
]
Description
The skandola is an iron ring with a chain attached to an iron knife. It is used as a sacred seal. It is used to seal graves and also newborn babies on their navels. During qabin, a priest gives the skandola to the bridegroom. There are incised depictions of the following animals:[
]
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Lion, representing Krun
-
Scorpion, representing Hag
-
Black snake or serpent, representing Ur
-
Wasp or hornet
E. S. Drower notes parallels with Mithraism , Yazidism, Persian art, and others. A Mandaean priest told Drower that the skandola was originally brought by Hibil Ziwa from the World of Darkness as he was taking Ruha along with him (a narrative found in Book 5, Chapter 1 of the Right Ginza
).[
]
See also
