Amulet, India, 1850-1916

Made:
1850-1916 in India
Amulet consisting of case of three iridescent green wing case Amulet consisting of case of three iridescent green wing case

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Amulet consisting of case of three iridescent green wing case
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Amulet consisting of case of three iridescent green wing case
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Amulet consisting of case of three iridescent green wing case pieces from cari fly, worn by women after losing infants soon after birth, from India, 1850-1916

Many people believe amulets have magical or spiritual powers, that they can bring luck and health while protecting from sickness and harm. They can also be used as indicators of significant events. These three iridescent green wing case pieces came from a large flying insect. Amulets of this type were said to be worn by Indian women who had lost infants soon after birth. They date from around the late 1800s. Infant mortality rates remain high in many developing countries.

Details

Category:
Asian Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A639137
Materials:
wing-cases and plastic
Measurements:
each: 3 mm x 30 mm x 9 mm,
type:
amulet
credit:
Sengupta, S.L.