Amulets /anglais

by PAINE SHEILA

The first comprehensive illustrated study of the use of amulets around the world and throughout history- Explores not only the substances and symbolism from which amulets derive, but also the people and objects they protect- Explains the differences between and the purposes of amulets, talismans, charms, and fetishesAll over the world and throughout history amulets have offered protection against negative forces, whether witchcraft, the evil eye, enemies, sickness, or accidents. Intricately beautiful or starkly simple, they come in an astonishing variety of guises: from stones, shells, and seeds, through animal tails, teeth, and claws, to beads, mirrors, needles, and bells.With over 400 lavish color photographs, this book explores amulets from every angle, including their symbolism and the diverse material used to craft them as well as the people and objects they protect. Sheila Paine traveled all over the world--from Afghanistan, Russia, and Albania, to Cameroon, Tunisia, and Mexico--to research the form, properties, and use of amulets, whether for health and safety or as channels for spiritual or magical powers. Worn as necklaces, sewn to clothing, painted on buildings, or hung in vehicles, amulets guard babies and brides; warriors, hunters, and travelers; livestock, crops, and homes through magical, not physical, means. Malign spirits and hobgoblins at crossroads have been feared since ancient times, but modern dangers--car crashes, new diseases, even cell phones--have ensured an abiding faith in the magical protection that amulets afford us that is still widely evident today.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Spirituality, Magic, Cultural

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Claudia Loureiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to help me find where some of my amulets came from. I found it an excellent resource - good pictures and a text that explains clearly what is what. I thought the information was good and the presentation very good. Highly recommend it for a reference for someone who wants a good overview and a number of specific examples.

[Fostergrants · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was like going to the museum of archeology and anthropology but i didn't have to shuffle around a stuffy place and have idiots step in front of me while i'm gazing at something. packed with loads of photos from all over the world and all through history. what have people from the beginning of humanity become attached to in order to keep themselves safe from the evils of whatever is out there? if you didn't understand what disease was what would you pin to your shirt to keep the plague away? from rudimentary shreds of cloth to modern cd's hanging from cab rear view mirrors, it is all here. nice big glossy pages and big dark print. not a stuffy history book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing resource. The author has made her foundation in studying textiles and explains well the easy transition into the study and collection of amulets. The photos are incredible and organization is fun and logical, by color and material- so it functions as an encyclopedia, but Sheila Paine's descriptions of obtaining the amulets are so interesting, I now am looking forward to reading a recently obtained novel she wrote about her adventures.

[Kim Browers · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I have always been interested in Ethnographic jewelry and textiles, I found this to be complimentary information to my previous studies. It explains the use of colors and motifs in a way that I had not encountered before. And the unassuming use of folklore as descriptions of items was lovely. If you are collect items of ethnographic origins from anywhere around the globe, this will be an insightful delight to read.