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  • In pictures

Moles’ feet, dried frogs and other folk medicines

Early-20th-century folklorist Edward Lovett made it his mission to discover the nation’s beliefs and superstitions, collecting amulets from cottage cupboards up and down the country.

  • Article

A symbol of a lost homeland

The story of one protective amulet from Palestine reveals a complex tale. Encompassing the personal history of an influential doctor and collector, it provides a window onto dispossession and exile, and the painful repercussions that are still felt today.

  • Article

The ancient doctors who refused payment

The NHS might only be 70 years old, but the idea of free healthcare goes back to Ancient Greece, when devout doctors provided their services without charge.

  • Article

The evil eye and social anxiety

The ‘look’ of the evil eye is believed to bring bad luck, illness or even death. This ancient curse might be deliberate, inflicted with an envious glare, or it could be accidental, the result of undue attention or excessive praise.

All stories (4)

Images

  • Amulets of ivory, Belgian Congo, Africa.
  • Amulets showing variety of types, Pacific and Africa.
  • Electrogalvanic amulets.
  • Two ancient amulets;
  • Spanish compound amulets.
  • Amulets associated with childbirth and children. Australia, New Zealand, Ashanti, W. Africa
  • Wellcome museum, primitive medicine: amulets
  • Four carved ivory amulets, Eskimo.
  • Wellcome museum, primtive medicine: amulets
  • Spanish amulets; Cross of Caravaca.
All images (231)

Catalogue

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Events

  • Session

Charmed Amulet Takeover

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  • Audio described
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