19th century AD. A group of silver amulets comprising: a key with scrolled head; a hand making the 'cornuto' sign holding a snake with horse to the front and with dog on its back; a hand holding a wreath with snake below; a cornucopia with scrolling plants coming out; a hand making the 'cornuto' sign and holding a key with snake in the centre, horse to one side and man holding bow to the other. Cf. Berry, V. Neapolitan Charms Against the Evil Eye, in Folklore, Vol. 79, no. 4 (Winter 1968), pp.250–56. 13 grams total, 38-44mm (1 1/2 - 1 3/4"). English private collection; acquired in the 1970s. In South Italy there is still a strong belief in the powers of the Evil Eye, or malocchio, and amulets have been made since Roman times to ward off the negative powers. During the 18th and 19th centuries silver amulets were made in the region of Naples to protect against the powers of stregha, or witches. In Italy it was believed that children are especially weak against the forces of the Evil Eye. The high infant mortality rate was more likely due to poor hygiene and diet, but it was attributed to the Evil Eye being cast on them by a jettatore. Jettatore is an Italian word of Neopolitan origin, and was used to refer to one who has the powers of the Evil Eye. [5, No Reserve]

Very fine condition.