Ritual Application of Motif and Inscription on Medical Magic Dished & Cups with Emphasis on Islamic Cups

In ancient times, believing in supernatural forces as wrongful or rightful ghosts was Customary and it was associated with people beliefs. These beliefs have influenced human’s life and one of the noteworthy professions was medicine. Magical medicine formed, was occurred by sacred, spell, amulet accompany with tools and instrument. Medical magic cups were used as containers for eating or doing ritual by praying. The present research aims to represent these containers during the Islamic era from two aspects; 1- The effect of rituals on magic cups; 2- How prayer cups are used in Iranian social culture.

The Methodology in the present research is descriptive-analytical method using library and museum references. The method of data analysis was done through sampling in three periods and then the data were analyzed by qualitative method.

Although the historical basis and beliefs continued until the Islamic era, but motifs and concepts have changed because of religious belief. Spiritual values have played a significant role in ritual and religious applications of medical magic. The illustrations have played a role in treatment or ceremonies.

Most of the inscriptions have display the application of these containers in different types of illnesses, requesting health and blessing for the owner of the dish or special mores. These types of cups are due to visual images relates to the concepts of blessing and fertility.