Charm

This amber bead from Skye in the Inner Hebrides was used as a charm to cure failing sight. The charm was rubbed on the eyelids.

The bead may have come from a prehistoric necklace and its more recent use reflects the general belief in amber having curative properties for the eyes and eyesight.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-002-761-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 88
Date:	17th or 18th century
Material:	Amber
Dimensions:	20 mm x 20 mm
What:
Subject:	Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Inverness-shire, Skye
Event:
Description:	Amber bead from Skye, used to cure failing sight by rubbing on the eyelids
References:	Black, G. F., 'Scottish charms and amulets' in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 27 (1892-3), pp 474-7
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