Amulet in form of hippocamp from coconut, De Mortillet collection, possibly European, 1801-1900
A hippocamp is an ancient mythological creature resembling a seahorse. The name is Greek, but the hippocampus appears in many ancient mythologies including Phoenician, Etruscan, and Roman. They are associated with Poseidon (Neptune in Roman mythology) and were often viewed as a good omen for sailors, as well as a symbol of strength and agility.
Details
- Category:
- Ethnography and Folk Medicine
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A665166
- Materials:
- coconut
- Measurements:
-
overall: 7 mm x 54 mm x 23 mm,
- type:
- amulet
- credit:
- Loan, Wellcome Trust
