Ancient Black Glass Bead Amulet Protects from "Evil Eye" Ex Bonhams London 2004

Description

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Ancient Glass Magic Eye Bead ~ Talisman Amulet
Ancient Glass bead of the Magic Eye Type.  Nearly black opaque glass with white color Eye and attractive patina. Bead features three full eyes in white equally spaced around bead.  Greek-Late Roman to Byzantine/Early Islamic Period. Small size.
T
he evil eye is a curse believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, usually given to a person when they are unaware. Many cultures believe that receiving the evil eye will cause misfortune or injury. "Magic Eye" Talismans created to protect against the evil eye are also frequently called “evil eyes”.
The idea expressed by the term causes many different cultures to pursue protective measures against it. The concept and its significance vary widely among different cultures, primarily in West Asia. The idea appears several times in translations of the Old Testament. It was a widely extended belief among many Mediterranean and Asian tribes and cultures. Charms and decorations with eye-like symbols known as nazars, which are used to repel the evil eye are a common sight across Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Southern Italy (Naples) and the Levant.  Such examples shown below dating from 304 BC - 364 AD.
Period: Ptolemaic - Roman Period | Date: 304 B.C.–A.D. 364
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REFERENCE ~ NOT FOR SALE or Part of This Listing
Flat globular / thick donut shaped with an 3mm central opening for stringing/suspension.
Diameter: 3/8
in. (10mm).
Would make a truly unique pendant!
Ex Bonhams Antiquities Sale 11365, October 2004, New Bond Street, London, UK. Partial lot No. 225.
Ex Private West Los Angeles Collecion.
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