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White fluted glass flask with wax stopper

Go on a special tour of the galleries & hear intriguing stories behind magical & mystical objects from around the globe!

Wednesday, 22 July 2026, 2pm to 3pm

What purpose does the belief in magic and witchcraft serve in cultures throughout time and across the globe? Why have people from historical times up to the current day placed their faith in 'lucky' objects to ward off ill fortune and keep themselves safe?

Is there really a witch in a bottle? How could you cure a wart using a slug? Is it possible to protect yourself from a snake bite using a seed pod?

What connects our much-loved Witch in the Bottle with an old onion and an ancient slug on a twig?

Go on a special tour of the galleries and hear the intriguing stories behind magical and mystical objects from around the globe and explore why magic and witchcraft still have an enduring fascination across different cultures and ages.

Department: Gardens, Libraries & Museums (Division)

Organiser: Pitt Rivers Museum

Host: Pitt Rivers Museum

Register here: