Record

Charmstone

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used in Galloway or Kirkcudbrightshire

Postcard of Charmstone.
000-100-002-727-C
© National Museums Scotland

Charmstone

This charm, made from a natural concretion, was hung at the foot of a bed in Galloway or Kirkcudbrightshire to keep away evil dreams or nightmares.

Shaped like a foot, it is a naturally formed piece of flint with the centre eroded.

It was said to have been found in use by a policeman in Wigtownshire at Gordieston Mill in Dalry and described as a 'mare-stone'. It was given to the Museum by Sir Herbert Eustace Maxwell in 1889.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-100-002-727-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 37
Date: 18th or 19th century
Material: Concretion
Dimensions: 25 mm H x 60 mm x 38 mm
What:
Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where: Galloway
Event:
Description: Charm made from a natural concretion which had been hung at the foot of the bed to ward off evil dreams, from Galloway
References:
  • Black, G.F. 'Scottish charms and amulets', Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 27 (1892-3), p 459 
Translations:
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