Amulet
| Accession Nr.: | 2656 |
|---|---|
| Type: | bronze, lead, gold and silver; jewellery; organic remains; religious or cult object; metalwork; amulet |
| Date of production: |
19th century
|
| Place of production: | |
| Acquisition: | collection of Ferenc Hopp |
| Materials/Techniques: | silver, seed (bead) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | height: 2.5 cm width: 3.9 cm depth: 1.1 cm |
A silver cap at both ends and a small silver strap around the waist cover this spectacular amulet made from the heartwood of the Rudrakhsa tree (Latin: Elaeocarpus ganitrus). The seed, found in the bluish-purple fruit of the Rudraksa (Sanskrit: eye of Rudra) tree, is considered a sacred fruit in Hindu culture and is believed to have extraordinary physiological properties. To this day it is used to make bracelets, pendants, prayer beads and necklaces, and is popular throughout South Asia for its medicinal properties.