Archaeologists in Turkey discovered an 800-year-old healing vessel designed to prevent animal bites during excavations at an Artuqid-era castle.

The bowl was found in a terracotta water pipe in Hasankeyf, an ancient settlement dating back approximately 12 thousand years. he told LiveScience in an email. Excavations have been carried out since 1985 and have become increasingly important since the construction of the Ilis Dam led to the inundation of parts of the site.

Erdal said that the bowl dates back to the 12th or 13th century, when the Artuqid Dynasty ruled in the region. The castle was also built by the Artuqids in the same years. This dynasty, which dominated the Hasankeyf area for nearly three centuries, found itself in conflict with the Crusaders and the Byzantine Empire in New York.

Erdal said, “According to these figures, the person who drinks water from the healing glass will be protected from animal bites, or the person who drinks water from this glass after being bitten by an animal will be healed.” The bowl also contains magic-related phrases and symbols, including verses from the Quran.

The concept of a healing vessel is found in many cultures. Erdal scanned the literature to discover the healing vessels that still exist. He also found 22 examples, most of which are in museums or private collections.

He also found examples on the websites of auction houses. Healing bowls were used in some parts of the Middle East during the Middle Ages. Outside the region, Tibetans also used bowls for similar purposes, and the Tibetan version of bowls continues to be used today.