Pendant, gilt metal, invoking St. Hubert, patron of hunters reverse, St. Roch, against plague obverse, religious charm, French, 1880-1930

St Hubert (c. 656-c. 728) was a Christian bishop and was usually called upon through prayer to cure and protect against rabies. Hunters would have been at heightened risk of catching rabies due to their contact with wild animals.

The reverse shows St Roch (1295-1327), a Christian saint. Roch was a Christian pilgrim who was believed to cure those with, 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.