Record

Charmstone

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from Cumbernauld, Dunbartonshire

Postcard of Charmstone.
000-100-002-719-C
© National Museums Scotland

Charmstone

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: 0098: 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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