Goa stone with silver gilt case, Europe, 1801-1900
Goa stones are named after their place of origin, Goa, in India. They are artificially manufactured versions of bezoar stones found in animal stomachs. Goa stones are made from a combination of clay, silt, shells, resin and musk and are typically spherical in shape like this one. Scrapings from Goa stones mixed with water were drunk as a remedy for numerous ailments, including plague. They were also placed in drinks to counteract suspected poisoning. They were highly valued and could change hands for enormous prices. This stone has a case made from gold and silver threads interwoven to produce a highly ornate pattern.
Object number:
A66178
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: goa stone
A popular 17th century remedy for various fever-like diseases, a goa stone consisting of various drugs made up in the form of a hard ball, from which a portion was scraped as required.
Glossary: pharmacy
The preparation and medicinal dispensing of drugs.
Glossary: Goa
The capital of the colonial Portuguese empire in Asia and East Africa which gained its independence from the Portuguese in 1961.