Nilschlammbälle mit Haaren

Abstract

Among the items found in private houses at Amarna and in or near tombs clay balls containing human hair seem to serve a magical, mysterious purpose. Some of them bear impressions of finger rings with hieroglyphic signs and symbols, others are covered with white powder of plaster. In 1925 Winifred Blackman established a connection between these ancient clay balls and a modern custom performed at young children. Following her intentions it could be shown that the ritual of the first haircut has survived in today's Egypt. Like other life-passage rites during early childhood it can be found in many periods and many other cultures. The paper elucidates the deep, complex meaning and symbolic value of that ritual which is composed of two actions: 1. the haircut that separate the child from his former identity; 2. the hair-offering that bind the child to a god, who shall safeguard him against children's diseases, misfortunes and evil influences. Because hairs can also be used for malevolent magic they have to be put away at a safe, secret and sacral place. To make the hair clumps more safe they were put into clay and sealed with protective, apotropaical signs or white colour.