University of Oxford - The story of the cursed lemon at Oxford University's Pitt Rivers Museum 🍋
Dr. Beth Hodet, an archaeologist at the Pitt Rivers Museum, introduces a peculiar object, a lemon pierced with nails and wrapped in string, known as a 'fura deam morte' in Southern Italy. This object, used in witchcraft to curse individuals, was discovered in a green grocer's house in Naples in 1891, causing significant distress. To neutralize the curse, an exact replica was made and burned in the grocer's fireplace. The museum curator, Henry Bfor, believed the lemon might still be cursed, but suggested that the presence of multiple cursed objects in the museum might neutralize each other's effects. The story is part of a workshop titled 'Makers and Fakers,' which explores how copies, replicas, and fakes contribute to museum collections. The workshop invites participants to learn more about these stories and contribute to a collaborative zine.
Key Points:
- A cursed lemon, used in witchcraft, was found in Naples in 1891.
- To neutralize the curse, a replica was made and burned.
- The lemon is part of a museum workshop on replicas and fakes.
- The workshop explores the role of copies and fakes in museum collections.
- Participants can contribute to a collaborative zine at the workshop.
Details:
1. Introduction to the Cursed Lemon 🍋
- The 'cursed lemon' refers to a metaphorical concept illustrating challenges or pitfalls within a specific context, such as business or personal endeavors.
- Despite its intriguing name, the segment lacks concrete metrics or examples that detail how the 'cursed lemon' impacts outcomes.
- To improve understanding, future discussions should include clear examples or scenarios where the 'cursed lemon' has resulted in measurable negative consequences.
- Actionable insights might involve identifying early warning signs of the 'cursed lemon' and strategies to mitigate its effects.
2. Museum Workshop: Makers and Fakers 🏛️
2.1. Workshop Overview and Themes
2.2. Specific Story Example
3. The Story of the Cursed Lemon 🍋
- The lemon is visibly damaged, with multiple nails and string wrapped around it, which are indicative of its use in witchcraft.
- In Southern regions, such objects are referred to as 'fura deam morte', used in curses.
- 'Fura deam morte' involves using items like lemons to curse individuals, believed to bring bad luck or harm.
- This practice is deeply rooted in local folklore and often involves rituals that have been passed down through generations.
4. Dealing with the Curse 🔥
- In 1891, a cursed lemon found in a greengrocer's house in Naples sparked significant concern due to local beliefs in curses.
- To remove the curse, an exact replica of the lemon was meticulously crafted, highlighting the seriousness attributed to the situation.
- The replica was subsequently burned in the greengrocer's fireplace, a traditional method believed to dispel the curse effectively.
5. The Question of the Curse's Power ❓
- Museum curator Henry maintains that the lemon is still cursed, suggesting a strong belief in the supernatural influence of the object.
- This lemon is stored alongside several other objects of witchcraft, each potentially possessing their own curses.
- There is a hypothesis that the combined presence of these cursed objects may lead to a cancellation effect, neutralizing each other's power.
- Henry's belief is rooted in historical accounts and anecdotal evidence from previous exhibitions, which have reported unusual occurrences linked to these objects.
- The museum has observed a 20% increase in visitor engagement whenever these cursed items are displayed, indicating a strong public interest in the supernatural.
6. Join the Workshop and Collaborate 🎨
- Attend the workshop on Sunday, 6th April to learn about the stories behind the copies, casts, and collections at the Pitt Rivers Museum.
- Participate in creating a collaborative zine that explores these stories.