Bloodstone amulet
Type:
Amulets
Date:
Sixth–seventh century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Egypt
Medium:
Stone
Dimensions:
5 × 3.7 × 1 cm
Description:
This incised amulet from Byzantine Egypt depicts, on the obverse, the woman with an issue of blood being healed by Christ (Mark 5:25, Luke 8:43–48) and, on the reverse, a woman with her arms extended in prayer. A Greek inscription based on the passage in Mark's Gospel identifies the miracle scene and continues onto the other side.
The dark-red amulet is made of hematite, also known as bloodstone. This material was thought to influence the flow of blood and therefore was especially suitable for addressing women's menstrual and fertility problems. The unknown woman who wore this large charm likely felt doubly protected by the object's imagery and materiality.
The dark-red amulet is made of hematite, also known as bloodstone. This material was thought to influence the flow of blood and therefore was especially suitable for addressing women's menstrual and fertility problems. The unknown woman who wore this large charm likely felt doubly protected by the object's imagery and materiality.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
3
Repository and Online Resources:
• The amulet is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 17.190.491).
Image Credits:
Metropolitan Museum of Art
