Sorcerers Stones
A Set of Four 'Sorcerers Stones'
French, 18th Century
Carved in Pierre de Bourgogne Limestone.
Varying in size from 25cm-28cm square
Known in France as Pierres de sorcières (sorcerer or witches' stones) these carved geometric blocks were traditionally set on the gables or ridge lines of buildings - from châteux to simple rural houses - as protective talismans. The faceted forms, most often dodecahedrons or other polyhedra, were believed to confuse or repel malevolent spirits, witches and misfortune, ensuring safety for the household within.
Carved in Burgundy limestone (Pierre de Bourgogne) these stones embody a practise popular in France during the 18th and 19th centuries, though their origins are thought to be much older.
French, 18th Century
Carved in Pierre de Bourgogne Limestone.
Varying in size from 25cm-28cm square
Known in France as Pierres de sorcières (sorcerer or witches' stones) these carved geometric blocks were traditionally set on the gables or ridge lines of buildings - from châteux to simple rural houses - as protective talismans. The faceted forms, most often dodecahedrons or other polyhedra, were believed to confuse or repel malevolent spirits, witches and misfortune, ensuring safety for the household within.
Carved in Burgundy limestone (Pierre de Bourgogne) these stones embody a practise popular in France during the 18th and 19th centuries, though their origins are thought to be much older.
Further images
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 1
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 2
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 3
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 4
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 5
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 6
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 7
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 8
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 9
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 10
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 11
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 12
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 13
)
