Bloodstone with case. a) bloodstone (green chalcedony with inclusions of red jasper, sole source is the island of Rhum in the Scottish Hebrides), irregular heart-shaped (traditional Scots "Witch's Heart" shape) in gold metal bezel. Reverse has hinged pin, catch for brooch use. Plugged hole at point A with adjacent grooves on flat back indicates previous pendant use. 7.77 cm x 5.13 cm. b) fitted case; two-piece grey lizard (shark?) skin cover, hinge, three hook catches. Case broken, designed for unmounted stone. Closed, 8.29 cm x 5.8 cm. Reputed property of the King of Scotland Malcolm Canmore.
Donor:
Lillie Hitchcock Coit
Collection place:
Scotland
Verbatim coll. place:
Scotland
Culture or time period:
Scottish
Collector:
Lillie Hitchcock Coit
Materials:
Bloodstone, Metal, and Skin (collagenous material)
Object type:
ethnography
Function:
5.2 Magic: Objects Associated with Practices reflecting confidence in the ability to manipulate supernatural agencies
Production date:
Reign of Malcolm III of Scotland (1058-1093)
Accession date:
1925
Context of use:
Reputed property of the King of Scotland. Original list in envelope says "A Bloodstone said to have formerly been the property of Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland, from whom Mrs. Coit is descended through her Scots ancestors. This bloodstone has been used as a Talisman in the family as a reputed cure for nose-bleeds.
Department:
Europe and western Russia (except Classical Mediterranean)
Dimensions:
b) fitted case; closed— length 8.29 centimeters, b) fitted case; closed— width 5.8 centimeters, a) bloodstone— length 7.77 centimeters, and a) bloodstone— width 5.13 centimeters
Comment:
Small crack observed on the left shoulder of the heart.