Buda Castle Buda Castle, Budapest
The Buda Castle Budapest Medieval Day each October is not only about knights and dragons – it is also about the mysterious objects of everyday belief that once shaped medieval life. Among the most intriguing finds from the Castle District is a rare talisman made from a dog’s teeth and jaw, dating back to the 16th–17th century. This unusual object reveals just how much mystery still surrounds the world of medieval charms and amulets.
In earlier centuries, talismans crafted from animal teeth were known but not common. A few examples survive from the early Árpád period, often made from the teeth of wild animals, drilled and strung for protection. From the time of the Ottoman occupation of Hungary, archaeologists have also uncovered occasional amulets carved from dog fangs. Yet the piece discovered at the Royal Palace in Buda is unlike anything else we know.
This rare artefact was fashioned from the front palate and teeth of a dog, carefully mounted in a delicate silver casing. Why would someone create and carry such an extraordinary charm? Was it meant to protect its owner, honour a beloved animal, or serve in some now-forgotten ritual? The answers are lost to time. What makes the object even more remarkable is that no close parallel has been found, either in Hungarian collections or in international archaeological material.
The talisman reminds us that medieval and early modern Budapest was a city not only of kings and castles, but also of deeply personal beliefs. People sought protection against disease, misfortune, and the unknown in ways that blended religion, superstition, and personal devotion. For archaeologists and historians, such a find raises more questions than it answers – and that is exactly what makes it so fascinating.
When you visit Buda Castle Budapest during the Medieval Day, you will encounter not just the pageantry of knights and kings, but also glimpses into the private, mysterious world of charms and talismans that shaped life centuries ago.
Based on László Daróczi-Szabó’s description. Archaeologist: László Gerevich. Location: Buda Castle Royal Palace, Budapest I. Photography: Ákos Keppel.
