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This is a thread that has been running on the NSW Heritage Advisors discussion group. I was wondering whether any such objects have turned up in archaeological sites.
CONCEALED RITUAL OBJECTS IN OLD HOUSES
Message from Ian Evans:
I wanted to let you know that some preliminary results of my recent
research into concealed ritual objects in old Australian houses and
buildings will be featured on ABC-TV's Rewind programme next Sunday
(17/10) at 9.30 pm.
The origins of this bizarre practice can be traced back into the
history of British folk magic. Ritual objects, intended to decoy witches
and evil spirits, were concealed in houses and buildings throughout the
UK for many centuries.
Until very recently no-one thought to look for these objects in
Australia. However, it seems that Australia's early European settlers
and convicts brought this practice with them and that it survived until
at least the 1920s. Concealed ritual objects have now been found in
every state except the Northern Territory. The most recent find was in a
1920s house in Perth, WA.
There is no record of this custom in the documentary archives and as a
result it was overlooked by historians. The only evidence is in the
artifacts which have been well hidden in our old houses and buildings
for many years.
I've now added some information about concealed ritual objects to my
website. To find it, follow the link from the home page.
Ian Evans
The World of Old Houses: http://www.oldhouses.com.au
Publisher: The Flannel Flower Press Pty Ltd
PO Box 591, Mullumbimby, New South Wales, Australia 2482
Phone/fax: +612 6684 7677 Email: [log in to unmask]
I know every prehistoric archaeologist that finds anything unusual says its "a ritual object" but this seems to be a well attested practice.
Any thoughts?
Iain Stuart
[log in to unmask]
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