[COLONIAL AMERICA] Iron Snake, Folk Tradition

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Day 2: Early & Historic Americana

By Fleischer's Auctions

Oct 10, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-10-10 09:00:00 2025-10-10 09:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Day 2: Early & Historic Americana https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/fleischers-auctions/day-2-early-historic-americana-19250
Day one of Fleischer's 2025 Fall Premier auction includes early American artifacts, documents, signatures, ephemera, and weaponry. Rare material relating to African American history is featured, as well as fine examples of antique photography. Fleischer's Auctions info@fleischersauctions.com

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• Lot Description

  Coiled iron snake, approx. 1 7/8 in. diameter. South Carolina, ca. 18th c.

   

  Although their precise function is not fully understood, examples of these forged “iron snakes” are associated with folk practices in colonial America, particularly in the South. Scholars have suggested they may have served an apotropaic purpose, placed near dwellings to protect against "evil spirits" or misfortune. 

   

  [Art, Fine Art, Statue, Sculpture] [Spritiualism, Occult, Magic]

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