Charm (copy)

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This is a copy of a cross of rowan tied with red woollen thread. Such crosses were widely used in the Highlands as charms, and worn on or in the clothing as a protective device against witches and malign influences.

The twig of rowan is cut and tied crosswise with red thread. The cross had to be tied with knotless thread of wool or silk to sustain potency.

This copy was made for the collections of the Museum.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-760-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 86
• Date: Original: Possibly 18th or 19th century
  
• Material: Wood, rowan; thread, red
  Charm
  
• Dimensions: 45 mm L x 40 mm W
  
• What: Charm
  
• Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Highlands
  
• Event:
• Description: Facsimile of a cross of rowan tied with red thread, widely used in the Highlands as a charm
  
• References:
  • McNeill, F. Marian, The Silver Bough Volume 1, Glasgow: 1957, pp 78-9 
• Translations:
• Related Records: