Ancient Beadwork

Amulets

 

Beaded amulets have an extra dimension in protection against evil because the bead itself can be regarded as an amulet, for it can be interpreted as a symbolic eye. By confronting the Evil Eye (as a primary source of evil and bad luck) with another eye, it may be distracted. Thus the person wearing beads will be protected from harm. In the West Asian en North African region beaded amulets are made in different shapes. One of the most powerful amulets are triangles. The triangles often contain herbs or magical texts to ward off evil. The meaning of triangles is best described by Sheila Paine in her books on amulets. Triangular amulets or other beaded amulets are often made by brick stitches or a netting technique. For more information check out the Wearable Heritage Website.