1985.52.408

Collection type

Object

Description

Amulet, metal pendant in the shape of a crescent and the number thirteen, with a loop for suspension. [RB 13/03/2012]

Geographical reference

Italy

Europe > Southern Europe > Italy

Rome

Person

Field collector Unknown Collector

PRM source Wellcome Institute

PRM source Wellcome Historical Medical Museum

Date / Period

Date made: Before 1931

Date collected

By 1931

Acquisition information

Transferred: 1985

Materials and processes

Material Copper Metal, Process Perforated

Dimensions

Length x Width: max 22 x 15 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1985.52.408 Other numbers: 802 R 14233/ 1936 14232/ 1936 1589

Associated publications

This amulet was selected for the Small Blessings project website [http://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/amulets], online text as follows: This copper charm was purchased in Rome, Italy. It is one of many charms and amulets once worn for protection against the Evil Eye – the power to inflict malady or misfortune with a glance that certain people are feared to possess. Like manu cornuta (horned hands) and animal horns, the crescent moon, or horned moon, was thought to be powerful against the Evil Eye because it is shaped like a horn, which is an emblem of the Roman goddess Diana. Worn by children and adults, hung on animal harnesses, or nailed over the doors of buildings, these emblems were thought to secure the goddessʼs protection. The inclusion of the unlucky number thirteen in this charm was thought to counteract the greater misfortune that might result from the glance of an Evil Eye. [CB 29/08/2012]

Search terms: Religion, Ornament, Amulet, Pendant, Neck Ornament