Amulets were worn by men, women and children throughout southern Europe in the 19th century. Before the development of modern medicine, fevers, cramps and toothache could be painful and dangerous. Childbirth could kill mother or child. Many people believed that the supernatural powers embodied in an amulet could promote fertility and good health and offer protection against malign forces or the ‘evil eye’. Although the Catholic Church was opposed to the pagan nature of many amulets, it was powerless to prevent their use.

Amulets gain their power to protect from harm, or to attract good fortune, from their colour, pattern or material. Sharp objects, such as teeth or horns, were believed to have the ability to protect against the evil eye. This amulet was described by Dr Hildburgh, who gave it to the Museum, as used for protecting children against ‘the evil eye, etc’. Stag’s horn pendants were also considered effective against snake bites and animal wounds.