Perlenköpfchen - German/German
Who doesn't know the saying "If looks could kill ...". Such a look can be hateful, angry, piercing or even envious. It is an "evil eye" and its psychological effect is intimidating. The fear of the "evil eye" has been around for a long time. It is one of the oldest forms of ancient folk belief. Just as long, there have been various methods of warding it off. Just eye contact with people who have the "evil eye" is said to be able to cause death or disaster. Consequently, the most effective method is to avoid contact with such people. If this is not possible, one should carry an appropriate amulet. For the power of the eye from which the spell emanates must be countered by an equally strong power.
One such amulet is the pearl head. The original, which is said to date from the 2nd century BC, is in the museum of Carthage. The sinister look of the protruding eyes is depicted in large concentric circles. Face beads or head beads, as the bead heads are also called, were only produced in a limited period of time, according to Thea Elisabeth Haevernick. They are said to have first appeared in the 5th and 4th centuries respectively. The fact that they have survived until today, for example in Greece and Turkey, is due to their cultic character.
Bead Heads - English
Who doesn't know the expression "if looks could kill...'". Such a look can be full of hate, rage, jealousy, or can even be piercing. It is an "evil look," and its psychological effect is intimidating. Fear of the "evil look," has existed for a long time, is part of the oldest folk beliefs, and the various methods of protection against it have existed for just as long. Mere eye contact with a person who has the "evil look," is supposed to cause death or disaster. Hence, the most effective method is to avoid contact with such people, and if that isn't possible one must carry a suitable amulet. Because strong protection is needed to counteract the power of the eyes that carry the enchantment.
And a bead head is such an amulet. The original that's supposed to date from the second century BC is in the museum in Carthage. The creepy look of the prominent eyes is portrayed with large concentric circles. According to Thea Elisabeth Haevernick, face or head beads like this small bead head, were only made for a limited period of time. They were first created in the fifth or fourth century BC and it is their cult character that has meant they have survived to this day in Greece or Turkey for example.