Folk Magic Rare Dried Mummified Cat Head

Name: Folk Magic Rare Dried Mummified Cat Head
SKU: as155a355
Price: 290.00 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

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The well preserved mummified head and three quarter neck with in tact teeth, having some remaining coloured hair.

Condition is good, given age and fragility, though there are two holes on symmetrical sides of the skull the whole however remains in good stable order. This example is larger than our previous listed head and probably marginally older due to the overall colour.

According to mediaeval superstition, old shoes, bottles, and less commonly cats, were placed into walls, roofs, floorboards or fireplaces to ward off evil spirits. It was quite a widespread practice across the European continent and in some cases the cats had been positioned, indicating that they were already dead at the time of concealment. We believe this specimen falls into this category as the rest of the body is missing.

As per a sacrifice, perhaps it was hoped that some of the qualities attributed to the cat in life would continue in the afterlife. Cats are alleged to be able to see ghosts and spirits easier than humans (hailing from Egyptian beliefs) and it is possible that it was their job to catch vermin of a more spiritual kind perhaps the witch's familiar. George Gifford, writing in 1593, complained of witch's familiars running about outside. If he'd only had a cat concealed in his walls, a witch-bottle beneath his doorstep and some shoes up his chimney he'd have had much less to worry about.

Now, perhaps it is time for you to do the same. If not for these reasons, this remains a rather extraordinary, macabre and fascinating piece of rare folk magic archaeology.

Price

£~~290.00~~

$~~368.01~~ USA

€~~351.36~~

The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 12/DEC/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Phone or visit the website to buy, Free UK shipping.

DimensionsHeight 3.25 inches (with neck) Length 4.5 inches Category Natural History Date c.1600-1700 17th Century Antiques Origin British Condition Very Good. Item code as155a355 Status Sold

SellerDoe And Hope

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Doe And Hope

Private dealer, By appointment only
The Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL

Tel : 07729 213013

Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013

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