Teething charm, Roman

Made:
100-500 CE in Roman Empire
Teething charm, tooth set in bronze handle, Roman

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Teething charm, tooth set in bronze handle, Roman
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Teething charm, tooth set in bronze handle, Roman

Teething, when the teeth are breaking through the gums, can be a painful process for some babies. A teething charm is used in the hope it will help them through this difficult time. Pliny, a Roman author writing in the first century CE, recommended that a wolf or horse’s tooth be placed on the child’s body to help with teething but not to let the tooth touch the floor. This charm has a tooth set into a bronze handle.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A33500
Materials:
bronze and tooth
Measurements:
overall: 25 mm x 153 mm x 36 mm, .03 kg
type:
amulet
credit:
Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)