Crepundia are groups of amulets, often strung onto chains in Classical antiquity. [1] [2] They are similar to charm bracelets and are archaeologically associated with children. [3]
Crepundia are groups of amulets, often strung onto chains in Classical antiquity. [1] [2] They are similar to charm bracelets and are archaeologically associated with children. [3]
The singular form of the word, crepundium, derives from the Latin word crepare "to rattle or make a noise". The word crepundia may be confused with crepitacula, which refers to a form of rattle. Ancient examples may be made from ceramic, wood, or bronze. [4]
Similar amulet chains were used in the ancient world from at least the 4th Century BC. [5] Crepundia are referred to in Act 4 of Rudens (dated to c.211 BC) in which the character Palaestra describes the contents of a trinket box owned since childhood: a miniature gold sword inscribed with her father's name; a miniature gold axe inscribed with her mother's name; a silver knife; a little pig; a gold bulla . Crepundia are variable objects, but Martin-Kilcher defined five main sorts of objects that feature in them: noise-producing objects; meaningful shapes; those with ‘exterior qualities’; remarkable objects and curiosities; materials valued for their special properties. [3]
The noise-making components of crepundia may have been used to calm distressed infants or children, or used as a toy. [2]
The ankh or key of life is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol used in Egyptian art and writing to represent the word for "life" and, by extension, as a symbol of life itself.
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An amulet, also known as a good luck charm, is an object believed to confer protection upon its possessor. The word "amulet" comes from the Latin word amuletum, which Pliny's Natural History describes as "an object that protects a person from trouble". Anything can function as an amulet; items commonly so used include gems, statues, coins, drawings, plant parts, animal parts, and written words.
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Nina Crummy is a British archaeologist and artefact specialist, especially of Roman material culture.