Context (Related Documents)
A notebook containing a list of Folklore objects in MAA's Archives (MM1/10/5) in Anatole von Hügel's hand lists no.181 as: 'Neapolitan Charms. Naples. Baroness A. von Hügel'.
Event Date
Author: Lucie Carreau

Context (Display)
The charms are attached by a metal loop to a wooden display board.
Event Date
Author: Lizzy Peneycad

Description (Labels & Markings)
Label on front of display board reads: 'Charms (lava). Naples, 1898. The Baroness von Hugel'.
Event Date
Author: Lucie Carreau

Description (Physical description)
Description for E 1906.300: 'Six stone charms, with an oil lamp, an arrowhead, and a hammer, with three other unidentifiable forms.'
Event Date
Author: maa

Description (Labels & Markings)
Pencil marking on back of display board reads: 'Neapolitan Charms (Modern). Naples. 1898. Bought [?] by Baroness von Hugel.'
Event Date
Author: Lizzy Peneycad

Description (Labels & Markings)
Printed label adhered to back of the one of the grey charms reads: '181'.
Event Date
Author: Lizzy Peneycad

Description (Physical description)
Accession register for E 1906.300: 'A bunch of small charms, of various forms, cut from lava.'
Event Date 1906
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Six stone charms of various forms attached to metal suspension hoops on a metal ring. The charms include: a black charm with two perforated circles; a grey charm with a cross hatched band in the centre, possibly a torch; a brown hammer; a yellow oil lamp; a grey helmet with a large crest; and a white arrowhead with two notches.
Event Date 11/4/2023
Author: Lizzy Peneycad

Context (Analysis)
The accession register for E 1906.300 describes the charms as being 'cut from lava.' However, the stones that the charms are made of do not appear to be crystalline, as would be expected from solidified lava. I believe that it is more likely that the charms are made of a fine-grained mudstone.
Event Date 11/4/2023
Author: Lizzy Peneycad