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Adder stone
Iron Age anular blue glass bead with white wave decoration; known as adder stone or glain nadredd and used for healing cataracts
According to folklore these 'snakestones' were thought to be dead snakes turned into stone. If found they became prized and lucky possessions. They could be used to cure ailments such as eye infections by rubbing on the affected area. Some archaeologists think these are glass beads from the Iron Age.
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Collection Area
Social & Cultural History
Item Number
F89.3
Acquisition
Donation
Measurements
diameter (cm):2.3 (external)
diameter (cm):1.3 (internal)
Techniques
glass making
Material
glass
Location
In store
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