Charm

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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: 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
  Charm / bead
  Charm / bead
  Charm / bead
  Charm / bead
  
• 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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