The Exorcist’s Purity
Abstrak
This article examines how the exorcist (āšipu/mašmaššu), the main purification expert in first-millennium Mesopotamia, established and maintained his purity, despite frequent exposure to pollution in the performance of his job. Juxtaposing his self-presentation with that of the diviner (bārû) reveals the unique confidence the exorcist projects about his purity. I show how the exorcist’s self-presentation in his ritual speech shifts attention away from the process of self-purification to establish his purity as absolute owing to his close relationship with the gods. The unquestioned nature of his purity has further implications for the exorcist’s social status, as the one with unlimited access to the gods and in control of the rules to approach them.
Topik & Kata Kunci
Penulis (1)
Koubková, Evelyne
Akses Cepat
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Cek di sumber asli →- Tahun Terbit
- 2024
- Sumber Database
- DOAJ
- DOI
- 10.30687/KASKAL/5235-1939/2024/01/009
- Akses
- Open Access ✓