In: Asian and African Studies, vol. 35, no. 1
Zacharias KOTZÉ 
Detaily:
Strany: 72 - 83
Jazyk: eng
Kľúčové slová:
evil eye, īnu lemuttu, Mesopotamian medicine, mental affliction, anxiety
Typ článku: article
O článku:
This paper examines the evil eye (īnu lemuttu) in Mesopotamian diagnostic and magical texts as
both a causal agent and a cultural symbol of mental affliction. Drawing on the Diagnostic Handbook
of Esagil-kin-apli, anti-witchcraft series such as Maqlû and Šurpu, and therapeutic compendia, it
demonstrates that the evil eye was understood as a major trigger of symptoms resembling anxiety,
depression, and paranoia. These texts reveal a sophisticated integration of supernatural aetiology
and observable psychological effects: envy or malice projected through the gaze produced emotio
nal and psychosomatic consequences, including fear-induced isolation, emotional starvation, and
delusional states. Therapeutic responses – amulets, figurine rituals, plant remedies – treated the
condition as simultaneously magical and psychological. Recognising this connection enriches our
understanding of Mesopotamian psychology and illuminates comparable conceptions of the har
mful gaze in the broader ancient Near East, challenging modern dichotomies between “rational”
medicine and “irrational” magic.
Ako citovať:
ISO 690:
KOTZÉ, Z. 2026. THE EVIL EYE AS A CAUSE OF MENTAL AFFLICTION: ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND PARANOIA IN MESOPOTAMIAN DIAGNOSTIC AND MAGICAL TEXTS. In Asian and African Studies, vol. 35, no.1, pp. 72-83. 1335-1257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31577/aassav.2026.35.1.04
APA:
KOTZÉ, Z. (2026). THE EVIL EYE AS A CAUSE OF MENTAL AFFLICTION: ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND PARANOIA IN MESOPOTAMIAN DIAGNOSTIC AND MAGICAL TEXTS. Asian and African Studies, 35(1), 72-83. 1335-1257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31577/aassav.2026.35.1.04
O vydaní:
Vydavateľ: Institute of Oriental Studies
Verejná licencia:
