Charmstone

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This stone charm is from Cumbernauld in Dunbartonshire. It was hung in a cow byre to protect the cattle against bewitchment and 'the evil eye'. It was given to the Museum by Daniel Wilson in 1863.

The stone is perforated and a loop of fine leather tie threaded through it for hanging it up.

It is similar to 'mare-stones' - protective and amuletic stones used to protect animals such as horses being ridden in the night by 'hags' or supernatural beings.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-719-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 21
• Date: 18th century
  
• Material: Stone
  
• Dimensions: 44 mm x 50 mm x 43 mm
  
• What:
• Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Dunbartonshire, Cumbernauld
  
• Event:
• Description: Perforated stone charm which was hung in a cow byre as protection against bewitchment, from Cumbernauld, Dunbartonshire
  
• References:
  • Black, G.F. 'Scottish charms and amulets', Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 27 (1892-3), pp 492-3 
  • Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 5 (1862-4), p 128 
• Translations:
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