An apple of amber

This jewel is not only beautiful, it’s also a container. The name ‘Pomander’ derives from the French “Pomme d’ambre”, literally meaning apple of amber.

Pomanders were already in use since the Late Middle Ages, and many were made in early modernity (Fig. 8-10). For those who could afford it, exotic spices like nutmeg and cinnamon were recommended as ingredients for warding off the Black Death. Bodily odors indicated how healthy a person was, and smells were believed to be able to pass through the body. Scents worn close on the person functioned as a defense against illness floating in the air. Head to the next step to see what was inside.