Abstract
This paper explores international aspects of Finnish folk magic. Folk magic objects in two Finnish museum collections (the National Museum of Finland and Museum Centre Vapriikki) are compared to analogous objects in the Nordiska museet in Sweden and the Pitt Rivers Museum in the UK to reveal the collections’ resemblances and differences. The material in question dates to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Many similar objects occur in these collections. Explanations for this are sought in historical networks between peoples. Yet a closer inspection also reveals variation in practices and beliefs. This reveals the dynamic nature of folk magic traditions, although collection and curation policies also play a role. Moreover, the complex connections between religion, medicine, and magic are uncovered.
Highlights
This paper explores international aspects of Finnish folk magic
While the idea of purity has long been both abandoned and irrelevant, recent research has not focused on cross-cultural comparisons between folk magic found in Finland and elsewhere
Similarities and differences in traditions reveal networks and processes of adaptation and rejection of ideas. This is why many archaeological studies take an interest in cross-cultural comparisons
Summary
The project’s previous publications introduce the National Museum of Finland’s collection of magic objects and discuss their agency (Hukantaival 2018; 2020). This paper focuses on the international (north and west European) aspect of the magic object traditions: is it possible to identify cross-cultural magic objects, and how were ideas about magic objects shared and transmitted? The relationship between religion (Christianity), medicine, and magic traditions is discussed. In contrast with the old historic-geographic method, the idea is not to find the origins of the magic objects or to trace complete migration networks, but to discuss examples in which networks may have influenced the traditions. Objects mentioned in historical sources, published folklore, and previous research are discussed. Comparisons between Finnish and Estonian magic objects are discussed in another paper (Hukantaival, Jonuks, & Johanson, manuscript)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
