Charms

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These heart-shaped charms were used in the second half of the 19th century in Forres in Moray for protecting children against heart ailments, and perhaps more general illnesses.

The charms are made of cast lead. They are perforated for suspension.

These are probably home-made protective or curative amulets associated with the belief in placing different parts of the body under special protection of an amulet. A 'heart' amulet, used with an appropriate prayer or 'words of power', was designed to protect the heart against disease or injury. Heart-shaped brooches are also used as charms.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-235-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 84
• Date: Second half of the 19th century
  
• Material: Lead
  Lead
  Charm
  Charm
  
• Dimensions: 45 mm x 35 mm
  50 mm x 40 mm
  
• What: Charm
  Charm
  
• Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
  Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Moray, Forres Parish
  Scotland, Moray, Forres Parish
  
• Event:
• Description: Lead heart perforated for suspension, used for curing the heart ailments of children in Forres Parish and the surrounding area
  Lead heart perforated for suspension, used for curing the heart ailments of children in Forres Parish and the surrounding area
  
• References:
  • Edmonston, Thomas, An Etymological Glossary of the Shetland and Orkney Dialect, Edinburgh: 1866 
  • Thompson, C. J. S., The Hand of Destiny. Everyday Folklore and Superstitions, London: 1932 
• Translations:
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