721 – Shell amulet in box
- Physical description:
- Caramel coloured oyster shell with two hearts with their points touching. They are pierced by an arrow, painted white with 3 diamonds, one contains 'T' shape Letters AGLA in the hearts. Amulet is in a box
- Museum classification:
- Richel Collection
- Size:
- 105 x 85 x 5 (box 153 x 110 x 23)
- Information:
Labelled: "Ex Libris: Laurentius Richel, Amsterdam." Also longer label beginning "Musee des Sorciers" and containing the word "amulet" and the date "Januas: 1909."
From the northern Netherlands. Late 19th/ early 20th century.
There is a label on the back of the box which identifies this as an 'amulet ter afwering van vuurgevaar' - an amulet to protect against the danger of fire. This is surprising in view of what appears to be its obvious love symbolism. However, heart symbolism is also used in protection magic, and the oyster shell could be used not because of its supposed aphrodisiac qualities but because of its heart shape and association with water.
There may also be a connection with the heart-shaped water-lily leaf that features on the Friesian flag.
See also 1022.- Materials:
- shell
- Copyright ownership:
- Copyright to The Museum of Witchcraft Ltd.
Labelled: "Ex Libris: Laurentius Richel, Amsterdam." Also longer label beginning "Musee des Sorciers" and containing the word "amulet" and the date "Januas: 1909."
From the northern Netherlands. Late 19th/ early 20th century.
There is a label on the back of the box which identifies this as an 'amulet ter afwering van vuurgevaar' - an amulet to protect against the danger of fire. This is surprising in view of what appears to be its obvious love symbolism. However, heart symbolism is also used in protection magic, and the oyster shell could be used not because of its supposed aphrodisiac qualities but because of its heart shape and association with water.
There may also be a connection with the heart-shaped water-lily leaf that features on the Friesian flag.
See also 1022.