Cowrie shell inset with a tiny compass and with a metal loop for attachment, possibly Japanese, recorded as being carried as an amulet carried by a soldier during the First World War, 1914-1918.

The carrying of ‘lucky charms’ – as protective amulets against ill health and physical danger – is common in many cultures around the world. Luck played a major role in combatant’s fate during the First World War, 1914-1918. As such, soldiers of all nations put great faith in lucky charms and amulets. Whether given by family and loved ones, bought commercially or chosen for personal significance, these special forms of protection were carried into battle. This cowrie shell with its tiny inset compass is said to have been carried by a soldier during that conflict.

The amulet was bought for the Wellcome collection in 1930 from Edward Lovett’s (1852-1933) collection of mostly British amulets and charms. Lovett was a collector who documented different medical traditions and beliefs.