Object Image

Button or Bead

Unknown Artist

The dot-in-circle motif recalls designs presumed to be of magical significance, most likely an abstract eye to ward off the evil-eye, which serves an apotropaic function. Easily reproduced with a tool and visible in many cultures and times, this symbol may have lost its meaning, and become simply a decorative pattern, or may have one that we have not yet discovered.

Credit: Rogers Fund, 1940

9th-10th century

Bone; incised and inlaid with paint

0.5 cm

40.170.330

Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Permanent collection