used in Glencoe, Inverness-shire

Charm

These four large amber beads were used as a charm against blindness by the MacDonalds of Glencoe in Inverness-shire.

The beads were probably once part of a necklace. Amber was traditionally valued as amuletic protection against illness and, more specifically, as a cure for disease of the eyes.

The beads were given to the Museum by Mrs James Johnstone in 1849.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-190-004-210-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 7
Date:	17th or 18th century
Material:	Amber Amber Amber Amber
Dimensions:	12 mm Dia 23 mm Dia 23 mm Dia 25 mm Dia
What:	Charm / bead Charm / bead Charm / bead Charm / bead
Subject:	Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification) Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification) Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification) Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
Who:	Macdonald of Glencoe (Owner) Macdonald of Glencoe (Owner) Macdonald of Glencoe (Owner) Macdonald of Glencoe (Owner)
Where:	Scotland, Argyll, Glencoe Scotland, Argyll, Glencoe Scotland, Argyll, Glencoe Scotland, Argyll, Glencoe
Event:
Description:	One of four large amber beads used as a charm against blindness by the Macdonalds of Glencoe One of four large amber beads used as a charm against blindness by the Macdonalds of Glencoe One of four large amber beads used as a charm against blindness by the Macdonalds of Glencoe One of four large amber beads used as a charm against blindness by the Macdonalds of Glencoe
References:	Black, G.F. 'Scottish charms and amulets', Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 27 (1892-3), p 476 Scottish Charms and Amulets / G.F. Black - PSAS 27 (1892-3), 433-526, p. 476 Scottish Charms and Amulets / G.F. Black - PSAS 27 (1892-3), 433-526, p. 476
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