Are Etruscan artifacts in Italian Museums linked to Turkish evil eye beads?

During my recent visits to the Archaeological Civic Museum of Bologna and the National Archaeological Museum of the Marches, I explored the Etruscan artifacts displayed in their galleries. While learning about the exhibits, museum officials shared fascinating insights, particularly regarding amber and similar stone artifacts, which, they noted, had arrived in the region through trade from Anatolia or Mesopotamia.

This led me to ponder: Could the beads resembling today’s Turkish evil eye have a similar historical connection?

The talisman, known as the evil eye, has retained its significance across diverse cultures for thousands of years. But how did the belief in the “evil gaze” and the protective blue bead emerge?

Let’s take a closer look at the ancient origins of these beads, often associated with protection, and examine whether their history may be traced back to Anatolia or even Mesopotamia, just as other artifacts did.

Universal protective symbol

Throughout history, talismans have served as one of the most common protections against mystical forces and malevolent gazes. Found not only in bustling markets across Türkiye but also adorning aircraft exteriors and featured in comic books, the evil eye has transcended cultures and geographies.

In recent years, this age-old symbol has even made its way into the fashion world. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have been spotted wearing evil eye jewelry, while model Gigi Hadid announced her “Eye”-themed shoe collection last year.

Despite its newfound popularity, the evil eye bead has been a fixture of human imagination for millennia.

Concept of evil gaze

To understand the origins of the evil eye, it is crucial to differentiate between the bead and the concept itself. The iconic bead, often shaped like an eye, is believed to protect against envy and admiration that might bring harm. This envy-driven phenomenon has long been linked to bad luck, illness, or misfortune.

The belief has persisted across generations and cultures. Historian Frederick Thomas Elworthy’s research revealed the presence of evil eye motifs in Greek mythology, Irish folklore, and even religious texts like the Bible. The ancient philosopher Plutarch attributed the phenomenon to a scientific explanation, claiming that the human eye emitted invisible rays strong enough to harm animals or even children. In Mediterranean societies, people with blue eyes were particularly associated with this malevolent power due to the rarity of blue eyes in the region.

Symbol that spans millennia

The origins of the evil eye talisman date back thousands of years. According to Nese Yildiran, an art history professor at Bahcesehir University, the earliest known evil eye beads were discovered in Tell Brak, an ancient Mesopotamian city located in present-day Syria, dating back to 3,300 B.C. These early beads featured geometric shapes carved from alabaster.

However, the familiar blue beads we recognize today emerged around 1,500 B.C. in the Mediterranean. “The development of glass production in the Aegean Islands and Anatolia played a crucial role,” Yildiran explained. The vivid blue color was achieved using high-oxide glazes from Egypt, combining copper and cobalt to create a striking hue.

Spread of evil eye bead

Blue evil eye beads became widely popular throughout the Mediterranean and Levant regions. Civilizations like the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans adopted the talisman for protection. Its use was concentrated around the Mediterranean, but trade and empire expansion helped spread it worldwide.

Interestingly, the evil eye motif has remained remarkably consistent over the centuries. Just as ancient Egyptians and Etruscans painted protective symbols on their ships for safe voyages, similar motifs appear today on modern aircraft. In Türkiye, evil eye beads are still given to newborns to ward off misfortune.

Cross-cultural legacy

Despite its modern reinventions in fashion and art, some worry that the talisman’s historical and cultural significance may be forgotten. Yildiran dismisses these concerns, noting, “The evil eye is part of a vast geography and has always been open to interpretation.” We will continue to see various motifs inspired by it.”

Far from being just a bead or a trendy accessory, the evil eye embodies some of humanity’s most enduring beliefs. Its ability to transcend cultural, religious and geographical boundaries speaks to its profound resonance as a protective symbol, a reflection of humanity’s universal fears and aspirations for safety and harmony.