Cornish piskie amuletic pendant

Cornish piskie (pixie) amuletic pendant, made of brass, in form of fob seal, inscribed, English, 1871-1930

Cornish piskies are mythical creatures from Cornish folklore. They are fairy-like creatures that live in moors and woodlands. They are depicted as small and childlike, often with large pointed ears and a hat. Cornish piskies are capricious and playful in nature. They are capable of being mischievous, playing tricks on humans, leading them astray (the term piskie-led means to be lost), or swapping human children with their own young (changelings). However, they are also capable of being helpful with household chores and can bring good fortune.

People have worn amulets in the shape of piskies as a good luck charms. Some believe that piskies can help to heal humans of illnesses. For example, the Men-an-Tol standing stones in Cornwall is believed to have a piskie guardian who can make miraculous cures to those that pass through the holed stone.