Indian Bezoar in silver mounting 17th century

This Bezoar stone is mounted in a silver frame, it was probably made in India in the 17^th century. A bezoar is a clump of undigested matter of often hair and plant fibers, found in the digestive systems of animals, including humans. This specimen likely originated from a horse or camel. Bezoar stones were once thought to possess universal antidotal properties against poisons, deriving its name from the Persian word “pãd-zahr” meaning ‘antidote’. While not a cure-all, it did exhibit some effectiveness against arsenic poisoning. In the early modern era, bezoar stones held significant value and were prized possessions in cabinets of curiosity and kunstkammers.

Diameter approximatly 7 cm.