Money for the dead, coined-shaped charms, cross
European Museums, The British MuseumMoney for the dead, coined-shaped charms
Money for the Dead
1 Stone burial coin
Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)
Inscription: 50
CM 1974-9-9-6
Coin-shaped charms have been used in China since the beginning of coinage. Copies of coins were placed in tombs as substitutes for real money for use in the afterlife. These days 'hell money', substitute paper money, is burnt as an offering to the ancestors.
The coin-shaped charms could be worn to bring their owner good fortune. Good luck charms were also often used as gifts for birthdays, weddings or other celebrations. Exorcism charms were used to protect against evil spirits and were often hung on a lucky red string around a child's neck. The pictorial designs on charms usually refer to popular religious scenes and symbols of good fortune.
Sometimes actual coins were used as charms because their inscriptions were thought to bring good luck. Exorcism swords were made from coins, tied on an iron rod, to drive away evil.
Supplementary images:
Money for the dead, coined-shaped charms
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