Rare, Fascinating & Rather Eerie 18th Century Witch’s Box Or Conjure Chest
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A fascinating and rather eerie 18th century wooden lockbox reinforced with iron. Based on the items inside, it looks very much like a witch’s box or a conjure chest.
The box is made from heavy wood with iron strapping, it has a lock mechanism, and wear consistent with the 18th century. These were often used to safeguard valuables, documents, or ritual items.
Inside is a very eerie doll with a wax head which likely dates to the 19th century. Dolls with wax or fabric heads were sometimes used as poppets (objects in folk magic meant to represent a person, for healing, protection, or curses). The decayed face and bonnet suggest age, but also ritual significance.
There are some bones which appear to be from a bird, with remnants of feathers still attached. Bones, especially of birds, were often kept as charms. In European folk magic, bones were seen as protective or as links to the spiritual realm.
There is what appears to be a coffin nail which likely dates to the 18th-19th century. These were sometimes taken from coffins or grave sites and used in protective or harmful magic. They held symbolic power connected to death.
The memorial cards which date to the 19th century, from funerals, likely served as memento mori (reminders of death), or as spiritual tokens connected to the deceased.
There is also an old key which looks like it might also be from the 18th century. Keys were widely symbolic of unlocking hidden knowledge, protection, or access to the spirit world.
There is a miniature Bible which likely dates from the 19th century. These were very common in personal devotional kits, but also used in counter-magic, to balance ritual items that might be seen as dangerous.
The rosary beads indicate Christian devotion, but could also have been included for protective power against evil.
The very eerie animal horns, which still have remnants of fur around the base, were considered powerful talismans, often symbolising strength, fertility, or spiritual protection.
The mix of Christian devotional objects with folk magic elements strongly suggests this was a ritual or a conjure chest. It could have belonged to a folk healer or cunning person, or perhaps someone practicing protective magic, safeguarding themselves from curses or illness.
It certainly isn’t just a random collection of trinkets, it’s a carefully curated ritual assemblage.
A very rare find indeed.
Condition is commensurate with age and use. Age related wear, chips, cracks and a repair to one corner of the lid. It is filthy inside, with dirt and dust. Please study all pictures and ask questions if needed.
Measures 23cm x 14cm x 9.5cm
Weighs 1150 grams