Bovine and equine heads are often ornamented with amulets against the Evil Eye with prophylactic motifs as well as shiny elements such as small mirrors and gold or silver thread. This ornament, called haimanli, plays the role of a protective amulet for horses and donkeys in the Thessalonian region.
Placed on the animal’s forehead, it is composed of a triangular leather pocket, decorated with a golden metallic heart cut-out. The edges of the pocket are sealed by leather thread and are decorated with blue glass beads. A piece of skin adorned with goat hair extends below the lower part of the pocket.

Date of Production: First half of 20th century

Place of Design: Thessalonica, Macedonia, Greece

Leather, metal, glass beads, goat hair

Access number: Inv. DMH1953.55.6

Size: 36 x 12 x 2.6 cm

Museum: Mucem