Talismans · Symbols · Meanings
Traditions
Seven traditions, from the Nile to the Pacific. Each has its own materials, makers and ways of keeping harm away.
- Ancient EgyptEyes, beetles and the sign of life, made in gold, stone and blue-green faience.
- Mediterranean and Near EastBlue glass eyes, protective hands, horns, moons and a word square from Pompeii.
- Northern EuropeSpirals and knots, woven crosses, lucky clover, horseshoes and Thor’s hammer.
- India and the HimalayaThe sacred sound Om, rudraksha beads and the endless knot.
- China and JapanCoins on red string, trigram mirrors, beckoning cats, shrine amulets and Daruma.
- West AfricaCowrie shells and the adinkra symbol that says: go back and fetch it.
- Americas and PacificOjibwe dreamcatchers, Mexican milagros and the unfurling Māori koru.