Bocca amulet

The 13th-14th centuries

Bronze, wood.

Length 5 cm.

Found near the village of Bykovo, Bykovsky rayon.

Excavations of Vladislav Ivanovich Mamontov, 1976.

The amulet in the form of a wooden block, with bronze holders at the ends and in the center, decorated with a relief ornament of six-petalled rosettes. The outer clips still have loops for fastening. Along with the official religion, various magical beliefs were common. To protect oneself from the influence of evil spirits, various amulets were used. They were sewn onto clothes, belts and hats.