Record

Charms

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Postcard of Charms.
000-100-002-735-C
© National Museums Scotland

Charms

These two seed pods or shells are thought to have been used as charms. They were sometimes called 'Molucca Beans'. They date from the 19th or 20th century.

Two seeds probably used as charms

Exotic tropical seeds have always been carried from West Africa, the West Indies or South America, onto British Atlantic coastal shores by the currents of the Atlantic Drift. There is a tradition that some species of drift seeds were placed in the hands of women in labour by the midwife.


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Online ID: 000-100-002-735-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 49
Date: 19th or 20th century
Material: Seed
Dimensions: 45 mm Dia; 50 mm Dia
What: Charm
Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where:
Event:
Description:
References:
  • Black, G.F. 'Scottish charms and amulets', Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 27 (1892-3), pp 479-82 
  • Carmichael, A., Carrina Gadelica vol II, Edinburgh: 1972, p 225 
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