Crepundia are groups of amulets, often strung onto chains in Classical antiquity.[1][2] They are similar to charm bracelets and are archaeologically associated with children.[3]
The singular form of the word, crepundium, derives from the Latin word crepare "to rattle or make a noise". The word crepundia may be confused with crepitacula, which refers to a form of rattle. Ancient examples may be made from ceramic, wood, or bronze.[4]
Similar amulet chains were used in the ancient world from at least the 4th Century BC.[5] Crepundia are referred to in Act 4 of Rudens (dated to c.211 BC) in which the character Palaestra describes the contents of a trinket box owned since childhood: a miniature gold sword inscribed with her father's name; a miniature gold axe inscribed with her mother's name; a silver knife; a little pig; a gold bulla. Crepundia are variable objects, but Martin-Kilcher defined five main sorts of objects that feature in them: noise-producing objects; meaningful shapes; those with ‘exterior qualities’; remarkable objects and curiosities; materials valued for their special properties.[3]
The noise-making components of crepundia may have been used to calm distressed infants or children, or used as a toy.[2]
