The Ashmolean Witchcraft Collection is one of the world’s most extensive collections of material related to witchcraft, sorcery, and magic. The collection is housed in the Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford, England. It contains a variety of items, including manuscripts, printed books, artifacts, and other objects related to witchcraft, magical practices, and related beliefs. The collection is especially strong in early modern European witchcraft materials, with a particular emphasis on the witch trials of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It is also a valuable resource for those studying the history of witchcraft and magical practices in other parts of the world.
History of the Collection
The Ashmolean Witchcraft Collection was established in the late nineteenth century by the collector and antiquarian, Dr. Alfred William Stukeley (1787-1861). Stukeley had a lifelong interest in the occult and collected books and manuscripts on the subject, which he donated to the Ashmolean Museum in 1861. After Stukeley’s death, the collection was further augmented by gifts and purchases, including a significant donation from the widow of the occultist, Eliphas Levi (1810-1875).
Highlights of the Collection
The Ashmolean Witchcraft Collection contains a wide variety of items, including manuscripts, printed books, artifacts, and other objects related to witchcraft, magical practices, and related beliefs. Some of the highlights of the collection include:
- Manuscripts – the collection contains a number of manuscripts related to witchcraft, sorcery, and magical practices, including some of the earliest known manuscripts on the subject.
- Printed Books – the collection includes a number of rare and important books related to witchcraft and magic, including some of the earliest printed books on the subject.
- Artifacts – the collection includes a variety of artifacts related to witchcraft and magic, such as charms, talismans, amulets, and other objects.
- Other Objects – the collection also includes a number of other objects related to witchcraft and magic, such as paintings, prints, sculptures, and other objects.
Research and Access
The Ashmolean Witchcraft Collection is a valuable resource for those studying the history of witchcraft and magical practices. The collection is open to researchers by appointment. Visitors are also welcome to view the collection, which is on display in the Ashmolean Museum. The collection is also available online, with images of many of the items in the collection available for viewing.
Online Resources
In addition to the physical collection, the Ashmolean Witchcraft Collection is also available online. The collection is searchable and contains detailed information about the items in the collection, as well as images of many of the items. The website also contains a range of resources related to the history of witchcraft and magical practices, including articles, videos, and other materials.
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