Iraqi Jewish heart-shaped Amulet bearing the star of David, flower and star ornaments, inscribed with Sh-ddai שַׁדַּי, one of the names of G-d in Judaism and on the backside the Shema or Shema Yisrael (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל "Hear, O Israel"), one of the most central and foundational prayers of Judaism dating to the first millennium B.C.E.. Used to ward off evil spirits (שדים shedim), negative energies, or the "evil eye" (עין הרע ʿayin haraʿ) while honoring the belief that true protection comes from G-d. Iraq, 1910. (png)
Various memento mori pieces, both worn and owned as reminders of one’s mortality.
Hellenistic Greek Cast Glass Pomegranate Vase
2nd century B.C.E. — 1st century C.E.
Mourning rings, England (1785), Victoria & Albert Museum
When the 350 year old mummified remains of noblewoman Louise de Quengo were discovered by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research, this lead heart was found beside her. It contains the preserved heart of her husband.
The remains were found on the burial ground of a convent in Rennes.
Posy ring, late Medieval period (15th century?), engraved with foliage and the motto "Je desir vous Ceruir" ("Jé désire vous servir" / "I desire to serve you")
Discovered by a metal detectorist in Essex, 2023





