Rituals of Hidden Rubbish

Archaeologists regularly discover collections of worn-out clothing hidden in the walls of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century buildings. In this illustrated lecture archaeologist Wayne Perkins considers what people had hoped to achieve by making these deposits, focussing on possible magical purposes. He weighs up the options: foundation deposits, sympathetic magic, protection against curses, or guards against witches' familiars. This is a live talk with Q & A afterwards. Wayne raises questions, shows examples, and provokes thought about magic and counter-magic.

Wayne Perkins is an archaeologist of many years' experience, whose current work focusses on English and European folk belief as evidenced in medieval and early modern architectural remains.