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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Oval, brass(?) amulet, to protect against cholera, artist unknown, Belgian or French, 1800-1900
Hung on thread or chains and worn around the neck, the metal amulet shown in the centre of the photograph was worn for protection against cholera. The reverse shows St Roch (1295-1327), a Christian saint. Roch was a Christian pilgrim who was believed to cure people of, and protect against, plague. Once plague was no longer a threat in Europe, St Roch’s protection was transferred to other diseases, such as cholera. Amulets have been worn for thousands of years to protect the wearer from illness, ill fortune and bad luck. It is shown here with two other amulets, which also feature images of St Roch (A677945 and A678713).
Details
- Category:
- Wellcome Medals
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A677845
- Materials:
- brass, ? material
- Measurements:
-
overall: 36 mm x 24 mm x 1 mm, .0005kg
- type:
- amulet
