Record

Written charm, to cure toothache

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Postcard of Written charm, to cure toothache.
000-100-002-718-C
© National Museums Scotland

Written charm, to cure toothache

This written charm to cure toothache was given in 1869 by the wife of a gamekeeper at Garve in Ross-shire, to a domestic servant in Dingwall in Inverness-shire. The charm was given to the Museum by Dr. Joass.

The words describe a circumstantial account of Christ healing St Peter suffering from toothache. They are signed 'Jessy McKenzie'.

Charms were widely used to ward off illness. Their special nature came from unusual materials or in the case of written charms, quasi-religious wording. Often they were worn and recommended not to be read but to be hidden on the person, but some were dipped in water which was then drunk.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-002-718-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 19
Date: 1869
Material:
Dimensions: 115 mm x 170 mm
What: Charm
Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where: Ross and Cromarty, Dingwall
Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Garve
Event:
Description: Written charm to cure toothache given by the wife of a gamekeeper at Garve, Ross-shire, to a domestic servant in Dingwall in 1869
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 9 (1870-2), pp 57-8 
  • Scottish Charms and Amulets / G.F. Black - PSAS 27 (1892-3), 433-526, p. 492 - 493 
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