ANTI-BITE NECKLACE 18TH CENTURY

Rare protective collar with spikes in leather and wrought iron, dating from the XVIIIᵉ century. This impressive collar was intended to prevent bites: the long spikes arranged all around made any direct grip on the neck impossible. Made of thick vegetable-tanned leather, sewn and lined, it is fitted with powerful wrought-iron spikes, each hand-forged. The closure is achieved by means of two wrought-iron buckles, accompanied by a large ring allowing attachment. The piece shows a very homogeneous ancient patina, with regular oxidation of the metal and characteristic cracks of centuries-old leather. This type of collar illustrates the protective devices used in rural Europe of the XVIIIᵉ century, when the risks of attacks and bites remained very real.

Rare on the market, this XVIIIᵉ century collar is a true collector’s item, ideal for a cabinet of curiosities or for any lover of unusual and historical objects.

PERIOD : XVIIIᵉ century
DIMENSION : 45 cm X 8 cm
SIZE : 17.8" X 3.2"
SPIKES: 3.5 cm / 1.4"

Archaeological discoveries reveal the use of anti-bite collars as early as the Middle Ages. Metallic collars with outward-facing spikes or thorns have been unearthed on medieval sites. These collars were mainly intended for domestic animals, particularly dogs, to protect them from wolf attacks. However, some evidence suggests that humans may also have worn these collars, not only to defend themselves against wolves, but also to ward off, if necessary, possible encounters with supernatural creatures.
Even though historical and archaeological evidence is scarce, it is sufficient to indicate that this practice existed at least marginally. The need to protect oneself from predators, combined with cultural and superstitious beliefs, may have led some people to wear such collars.