Ancient Egyptian amulet of Bes
Ancient Egyptian amulet of Bes, god of war and protector of the home.
‘African’ bean or seed
‘African’ bean or seed. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Witch ball
Witch balls, colourful, reflective glass spheres, have been hung in homes and shops in Europe for centuries. It is thought they can attract, confuse and trap witches inside them. England, mid 1800s.
Part of a group of amulets
Part of a group of amulets made from a variety of materials – including feathers, tusks and beads – that are considered to have powerful protective qualities. Some are containers for powerful substances. From Congo, (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), early 1900s.
Ea7445
Jewish phylactery, a small box containing Hebrew texts, worn on the head and arm during morning prayers. Possibly from England, early 1900s.
Part of a group of amulets
Part of a group of amulets made from a variety of materials – including feathers, tusks and beads – that are considered to have powerful protective qualities. Some are containers for powerful substances. From Congo, (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), early 1900s.
Ancient Egyptian amulet of the djed
Ancient Egyptian amulet of the djed symbol, offering stability linked to the god Osiris.
White stone
White stone. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Hamsa
The hamsa is palm-shaped amulet that is common across North Africa and the Middle East. It is thought to protect from the evil eye but also features in Christian, Jewish and Islamic symbolism. From possibly Algeria, late 1800s.
Scroll
The magical prayers, spells and drawings on these scrolls were used for protection, for healing, and even exorcising demons. From Ethiopia, early 1900s.
Ancient Egyptian amulet of a fish
Ancient Egyptian amulet of a fish, worn as protection against drowning.
Part of a group of amulets
Part of a group of amulets made from a variety of materials – including feathers, tusks and beads – that are considered to have powerful protective qualities. Some are containers for powerful substances. From Congo, (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), early 1900s.
Amulet made from a seed
Amulet made from a seed attached to red cotton thread, with an image of the Virgin of Guadeloupe. It would be tied to a child’s wrist as protection against the evil eye. From Mexico, early 2000s.
Buddhist and Hindu female spirit
Buddhist and Hindu female spirit of the clouds and water, known as an apsara. From China, around 1,500 years old.
Manuscript containing a collection of prayers
Manuscript containing a collection of prayers relating to the prophet Mohammed and local magical references. West Africa, late 1800s/early 1900s.
Charm made from horn
Charm made from horn, brass wire and animal skin. Often hunters who spent long periods of time away from home would need the protection of such charms against evil spirits. From South Africa, early 1900s.
Human Hair
Many societies have a belief in the symbolic strength of a person’s hair. It should be protected from being taken by those who can use it to cause us harm, or if kept close has the power to connect us to loved ones. From Iraq, late 1800s.
A paperweight in the form of a fruit known as ‘Buddha’s hand'
A paperweight in the form of a fruit known as ‘Buddha’s hand’. The fruit is commonly placed on Buddhist altars as a symbol of a long and happy life. From China, late 1800’s/early 1900s.
Amulet
Part of a group of amulets made from a variety of materials – including feathers, tusks and beads – that are considered to have powerful protective qualities. Some are containers for powerful substances. From Congo, (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), early 1900s.
Amulet against ‘black magic’
Amulet against ‘black magic’ consisting of seeds, herbs, a plastic animal, a small container of perfume and a textile bag to keep them in. From Mexico, early 2000s.
Horn containing magical medicine
Horn containing magical medicine decorated with white seed beads for added power. From Tanzania, early 1900s.
Fragment of German naval shell
Fragment of German naval shell. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Snake vertebrae necklace
Snake vertebrae necklace, worn to protect against snake bites. From Nigeria, early 1900s.
Glass ‘evil eye’
Glass ‘evil eye’. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Red seed
Seeds, especially red ones, are seen as protective and promote good luck. Abrus seeds are popular for making rosaries, despite being poisonous. From Southern Africa, early 1900s.
Necklace decorated with rupee coins
Necklace decorated with rupee coins. Coins have been used to bring good luck, especially financial, or to ward off bad luck in most cultures around the world. From India, 1950s. Lent by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
Leather pouch
Leather pouch, probably containing words from the Q’uran, written on paper. Different words were used for different purposes, sometimes used to treat those possessed with evil spirits. From Sudan, early 1900s.
Hag stones
Hag stones, stones with naturally occurring holes, are believed to have powerful magical properties. Tied up near horses they prevented witches from riding them during the night. On loan from Debs Hutchinson.
Maltese cross
Maltese cross with a design by René Lalique, titled Orphelinat des Armées. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Horn amulet
Horns are powerful amulets used across the world. Which horns are used depend what animals are available, They can help prevent nosebleeds, protect from lions or vampires. From South Africa, early 1900s.
Introduction Text
The use of amulets (items for protection) and charms (items that bring good luck) are the earliest known examples of magical thinking. 6,000 year-old writings from ancient Mesopotamia refer to the ‘evil eye’. This belief in the ability of magical people and beings to cause suffering through a malicious glance is still widespread today. Our emotional need to find meaning or control in the world affects our belief in these items and whether they can offer reassurance or protection from harm.
- Soldiers’ charms
During World War I Britain was an overwhelmingly Christian society. There was also an increase in a belief in spirits and fortune tellers. Small good luck charms made of wood and metal, known as ‘Touchwud’ and ‘Fums Up’ were taken into the trenches by soldiers for comfort and protection.
- Ancient Egyptian amulets
These amulets were worn by ancient Egyptian people in life and after death. When worn in jewellery they were considered to prevent illness or promote fertility. When added to the bandages of a mummy they would help protect the body so that the spirit, ba, was able to return to it from its travels in the afterlife.
- Horns, bones, teeth and claws
By using body parts of animals, their particular powers are transferred to the wearer. Qualities of speed, cunning, fertility or strength are popular. Teeth and horns, in particular, have been protective devices for thousands of years. The power of regeneration and ability to ‘pierce’ evil forces are prized across many societies.
- From the market
Amulets made for an individual are more potent than those made for sale on a market stall or at a religious shrine or pilgrimage site. In the 1800s Austria exported amulets to India, the Middle East and West Africa. Egyptian amulets were traded as far away as Russia before the 1500s.
Shaped flint amulet
Shaped flint amulet. Flint is one of the earliest stones to have been considered magical to pre-historic peoples across the world. From Honduras, early 1900s.
U.S. cent coin
U.S. cent coin. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Antelope horn amulet
Even a small amount of antelope horn in this amulet is effective in protecting against sickness. From East Africa, early 1900s.
N256.10
Cross made from a German shell. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Part of a group of amulets
Specialised diviner/healers use their knowledge of the natural and spirit world to prescribe and make amulets. This is part of a carefully chosen group of items, tailored to an individuals’ need. The group also contained part of a human leg bone. From Madagascar, mid 1900s.
Part of a group of amulets
Specialised diviner/healers use their knowledge of the natural and spirit world to prescribe and make amulets. This is part of a carefully chosen group of items, tailored to an individuals’ need. The group also contained part of a human leg bone. From Madagascar, mid 1900s.
Protective necklace
The necklace protects the wearer from demons. The small amulet cases may contain prayers but even if empty are still effective. From Ethiopia, early 1900s.
Part of a group of amulets
Specialised diviner/healers use their knowledge of the natural and spirit world to prescribe and make amulets. This is part of a carefully chosen group of items, tailored to an individuals’ need. The group also contained part of a human leg bone. From Madagascar, mid 1900s.
Hanging charm in the form of a string of orange fruit
Hanging charm in the form of a string of orange fruit. Tangerines represent wealth and oranges good luck. From China, early 2000s.
H122 detail.4889x3392
Ancient Egyptian amulet of a fish, worn as protection against drowning.
Mother of pearl fish
Mother of pearl fish. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Black Tortoise, depicted entwined with a snake
Black Tortoise, depicted entwined with a snake, known as genbu in Japan. It is one of the four mythological, guardian creatures that protect the city of Kyoto. From Japan, 1800s.
Ancient Egyptian amulet of Taweret
Ancient Egyptian amulet of Taweret, goddess of childbirth and fertility.
Ancient Egyptian amulet of Thoth
Ancient Egyptian amulet of Thoth, god of writing, magic and wisdom.
Black cat
Black cat. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Dwarf coconut charm
Charm made from a dwarf coconut, filled with magical substances. Worn round the neck when travelling they could protect from human and supernatural violence. From Papua New Guinea, early 1900s.
Amulet Box
Words from the Q’uran were written on pieces of paper, folded up, placed inside these silver amulet boxes and worn as protection from harm. From Tanzania, early 1900s.
Year of the Rabbit decoration
Year of the Rabbit decoration covered with different good luck symbols including an auspicious everlasting knot. From China, early 2000s.
Leg charm
Foreleg of a small animal. Rabbit feet are also used as charms across Europe, China, Africa and North and South America. From Peru, early 1900s.
Words from the Q’uran
Words from the Q’uran were written on pieces of paper, folded up and usually placed inside leather pouches to be worn as protection from harm. From Cameroon, early 1900s.
Trilobite Fossil
These fossilised marine animals, trilobites, dating from around 500 million years ago, were worn as amulets by the Ute people of North America in the 1900s.
Ancient Egyptian amulet of the tjet
Ancient Egyptian amulet of the tjet (knot or girdle of Isis) symbol, offering protection of the goddess Isis.
Hand and compass
Hand and compass. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Belemnite Fossil
These fossilised marine animals, belemnites, dating from between 200 to 66 million years ago, have been called ‘thunderstones’. Thought to have fallen to earth during thunderstorms. Across Europe they have been used to protect and heal humans and animals.
Hyoid bone
Hyoid bone from the head of a sheep. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Beads
Across many cultures beads have been seen as having powerful protective properties and are added to many different types of amulets. From South Africa, late 1800s/early 1900s.
Ancient Egyptian amulet of a scarab beetle
Ancient Egyptian amulet of a scarab beetle, linked to the god Khepri, who controlled the movement of the sun and rebirth.
Christian cross pendant
Christian cross pendant inscribed with the letters ‘A G L A’. The letters refer to one of the names for God in the medieval period. Those words were also used as a charm against fever. Found near Bristol, England, dating from around 900 years ago.
Hanging charm in the form of a happy Buddha
Hanging charm in the form of a happy Buddha holding a sceptre of good fortune. From China, early 2000s.
Crab’s claw amulet
Crab’s claw amulet. Crab claws were also popular charms across the Mediterranean region, sometimes mounted in silver and worn as pendants. From Vanuatu, early 1900s.
A bead decorated with an eye
A bead decorated with an eye, designed to repel any injury or misfortune sent to the wearer from the ‘evil eye’. From China, 1900s.
Ancient Egyptian amulet of the god Shu
Ancient Egyptian amulet of the god Shu, god of peace, light and air.
Jaguar teeth
Jaguar teeth impart the qualities of the animal, ferocity and courage, to those that wear them. From South America, early 1900s.
Red thread amulet
The use of red thread for its protective qualities has been known in many cultures across thousands of years. From East Africa, early 1900s.
Wool doll
Wool doll. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
George III halfpenny coin
George III halfpenny coin. From a collection of ‘mascots’ or good luck charms carried by European and U.S. soldiers during World War I (1914-18).
Ea7242