amulet
- Museum number
- 2003,0331.23
- Description
-
Amulet; pendant cowrie shell on a metal ring.
- Production date
- 17thC-18thC
- Dimensions
-
Length: 54 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- This seems to be the amulet depicted and described in J. and A. van Rymsdyk, 'Museum Britannicum', London 1791, Tab XVIII Amulets and Charms. The cowrie is described in the category of ithyphallica as 'a shell with silver eye and ring'.
On cowrie shell amulets in general see W.L. Hildburgh, 'Cowrie Shells as Amulets in Europe', Folk-Lore, LIII, 1942, pp 178-195.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition notes
- Acquisition history unknown, registered in 2004
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 2003,0331.23