| Original Message: Re: Hag Stones |
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Hello Evelyn and Springee, Last week when we had the conversation about fossil urchins, I came across this essay (URL below). Hag stones are mentioned toward the bottom. The examples shown do not look much like they have "natural perforations"—though it would not surprise that some or many might. (I collect "natural beads" that do not require added perforation.) I would guess that others are just gnarly old beads. I think I also found the essay you quote about hag stones—as it was the first thing that came up in a Google search. I have to take exception to one comment I read there and in your post. Objects such as hag stones are (or become) amulets. They are NOT "talismans." Almost anything can be an amulet or can be put to amuletic use; and an amulet is usually a single thing. Many, many beads are amulets. (some might say they are ALL amulets.) Amulets are most often worn on the body, but they can also protect an object (a car or even a room). In contrast, a talisman is a made thing (made by a talisman-maker), and is made for a specific person and a specific function. It is a certain kind of amulet, in a broad sense. And, a talisman is often or usually made from more than one part, may or may not be worn on the body, and often includes a magical written text. The words "amulet" and "talisman" are NOT interchangeable, though in the literature you'd hardly appreciate this fact. The word "talisman" is used many more times than is "amulet" (particularly where it's the incorrect word)—and one gets the feeling that people like this word MUCH MORE than the word "amulet." Jamey All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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