Amulet
1865-1870 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
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 attract good fortune, from their colour, pattern or material. Pieces of material carved to a point, like all sharp or dangerous things, were believed to have the ability to protect against the evil eye. This amulet, called a cuerno or horn in Spanish, comes from Cordoba in Andalusia.
Amulets gain their power to protect from harm, or attract good fortune, from their colour, pattern or material. Pieces of material carved to a point, like all sharp or dangerous things, were believed to have the ability to protect against the evil eye. This amulet, called a cuerno or horn in Spanish, comes from Cordoba in Andalusia.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Bone in a silver mount |
Brief description | Pointed bone amulet (cuerno) in a silver mount, Cordoba, (Spain), 1865-1870. |
Physical description | Long pointed bone pendant, with engraved lines round the upper part, and a silver-plated cap. There is a band of raised diagonal lines round the cap, and a loop on its top, through which is threaded a ring for suspension. |
Dimensions |
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Summary | 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 attract good fortune, from their colour, pattern or material. Pieces of material carved to a point, like all sharp or dangerous things, were believed to have the ability to protect against the evil eye. This amulet, called a cuerno or horn in Spanish, comes from Cordoba in Andalusia. |
Collection | |
Accession number | 1202-1871 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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