Papyrus Fragments with Seth on Mount Sinai

Archaeologists have discovered many objects, such as these papyrus fragments, in monastic contexts throughout Egypt. Artisans and scribes produced ritual protective texts and images alongside other religious objects in the late antique and medieval periods. Incantations to ward off evil as well as alchemical texts or "spells" appear in both Coptic and Greek. Bits and pieces like these have been described as "magical" objects. Such works illuminate everyday desires, such as protection, love, and good luck. Magic is not necessarily the most precise term to describe works such as this, which blur the lines between multiple faith practices. Still, scholars and the public often use the word to describe texts or objects that do not seem to fit into traditional devotional or miraculous categories.