Skandola


The skandola is a ritual talismanic 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 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:
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 (Mandaeism)|World of Darkness] as he was taking Ruha along with him.