Today I learned a new word. Hepatomancy (or Haruspicy) is the inspection of the entrails of sacrificed animals, usually the livers of sheep or chicken, to divine the will of the gods, or the future. It was an ancient Hittite and Babylonian religious practice dating as far back as 2050 B.C. I’m glad today’s fortune tellers have more humane tools – like crystal balls and tarot cards – to practice their trade.
UK based paper engineer and illustrator Helen Friel recently created this series of paper cuttings which explores the art of hepatomancy. This project was done in collaboration with photographer Chris Turner. Delightful!
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