Apotropaici gioielli di corallo

This paper investigates the use and diffusion of the coral in the Sicilian jewellery over the centuries. The coral was worn not only as an ornament, but as a real amulet by noble women, noble men and even young descendants of high-ranking families, for its strong apotropaic value, due to its derivation from the mythological blood of the severed head of Medusa, and forits saving value, for its assimilation to the blood of Christ shed for the redemption of mankind.