Inventory number

General description

Protective spells

Provv. 861 is an early Middle Kingdom papyrus containing 13 spells written in vertical columns describing practical medical advice and magical formulas for a healthy life. The spells can be separated into three categories: spells 1 through 4 are for protection against snakes and their venom, instructing that if bitten, to remove their fangs and shatter a clay figurine on a surface. Spells 5 through 10 explain how to protect and open the eyes by means of water. Finally spells 11 and 12 give instructions as to how to get rid of a fish bone being stuck in someone's throat, by eating bread.