
3 4 c m
40cm
actual image size: 32cm x 26cm
Description
Protective amulet in the form of a lizard, made of hide decorated with quills, worn by boy children, probably Sioux Indian. When a child was born, a relative would make a protective amulet. A piece of the baby's umbilical cord would be kept inside this amulet. For a boy the amulet would be in the form of a lizard, for a girl a turtle. The lizard was a symbol of being fast and elusive.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10311706
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library