In Mandaeism, a shkinta (Classical Mandaic: ࡔࡊࡉࡍࡕࡀ, romanized: škinta, lit.'shekinah') or shkina (škina) is a celestial dwelling inhabited by uthras in the World of Light that is analogous to the shekhinah in Jewish mysticism. In Tibil (the physical earth), it refers to a reed or mud hut that is used during Mandaean priest initiation ceremonies, since Mandaean priests represent uthras on earth.[1]

A shkinta being constructed for a tarmida initiation ceremony in Baghdad in 2008
A completed shkinta

Ceremonial usage

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During the priest initiation ceremony, the shkinta is constructed to the north of the andiruna. It symbolizes the World of Light and it covered by a white cloth roof. In contrast, the andiruna has a blue cloth roof to symbolize the color of Ruha. Together, the two adjacent huts symbolize complementary masculine and feminine elements.[2]

Symbolism

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The škinta (cognate with the Hebrew word shekhinah; from the Semitic root š-k-n, associated with dwellings) symbolizes the "male" side, and is associated with the World of Light, priests, the right side, gold, and the taga (crown).[2]

In contrast, the andiruna symbolizes the "female" side, and is associated with the earth (Tibil), laypeople, the left side, silver, and the klila (myrtle wreath).[2] Similarly, in a traditional Persian house, the women's quarters are known as andirūn.[1]

In artwork

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In 2018, Mandaean-Australian priest and artist Yuhana Nashmi created Sh-ken-ta, an exhibition of a shkinta, as a site-specific installation at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.[3][4]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Drower, E. S. 1937. The Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran. Leiden: Brill (1962 reprint).
  2. ^ a b c Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2002). The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515385-5. OCLC 65198443.
  3. ^ "Sh-ken-ta". Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. 2003-01-01. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  4. ^ "Sh-ken-ta Workshop with Yuhana Nashmi". Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. 2003-01-01. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
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