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.

Bells were widely used as amulets, as the tinkling sound was believed to frighten off evil spirits. In Spain, elaborate silver amulets like this example were often attached to children’s clothing, or suspended above a child’s crib. This one was described as a child’s bauble, called a cascabelera, when it was bought for the museum by Senor Riano for 16 shillings and eight pence in Toledo in 1871.