Soapstone amulet in the form of a seated monkey

Made:
1914-1918

Carved soapstone amulet in the form of a seated monkey, reputedly worn by a soldier during the First World War, 1914-1918, from the Lovett collection.

The carrying of ‘lucky charms’ – as protective amulets against ill health and physical danger – is common in many cultures around the world. This tiny carved soapstone amulet in the form of a seated monkey was reputedly worn by a soldier during the First World War, 1914-1918

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

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A79933
Materials:
soapstone
Measurements:
overall: 19 mm x 9 mm x 10 mm, , .02kg
type:
amulet
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust (Lovett Collection)