Crosh Bollan

Manx Museum Accession Number - 1954-1713

This charm is in fact the upper palate of the Wrass (a rock-fish), of which the Manx name is bollan, and from its triangular shape is called cross, or crosh bollan. It was carried by Manx fishermen in the belief that it would protect them from harm whilst at sea. Fishermen were extraordinarily superstitious, and this was one of many customs which they observed in an effort to bring good luck or ward off evil.

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