Skandola

The skandola (Classical Mandaic: ࡎࡊࡀࡍ ࡖࡅࡋࡀ, romanized: skan ḏ-ula,^[1] also sakin dola or sakin ḏ-ula,^[2] literally "dwelling of evil" in Mandaic) is a ritual talismanic seal used by Mandaeans to protect against evil.^[1]: 37

A skandola made of steel

Drawing of the skandola

Stylized artistic depiction of the skandola

Description

The skandola is an iron ring with a chain attached to an iron knife. It is used as a sacred talismanic seal. It is used to seal graves and also newborn babies on their navels. During wedding ceremonies, a priest gives the skandola to the bridegroom. There are incised depictions of the following animals:^[1]

• Lion, representing Krun
• Scorpion, representing Hag
• Black snake or serpent, representing Ur
• Wasp or hornet

E. S. Drower notes parallels with Mithraic bas-reliefs, Yazidism, Iranian artistic symbols, 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^[3]).^[1]

See also

• Talisman
• Hamsa