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.