Museums hold a plethora of items, showcasing cultures and history from around the world. While some of these items garner positive thoughts, others have a darker past, shrouded in mystery and tales of misfortune and tragedy for those who possessed the artifacts. If you enjoy delving into the macabre side of history, check out these six allegedly cursed objects in museums and how they earned the title of being cursed.
6. The Basano Vase
Starting our list of cursed objects in museums is the Basano Vase, also known as the Unlucky Vase. The artifact is said to bring death and destruction to whoever owns it. According to legend, the Basano Vase was made in the 15th century by an Italian artist for his bride-to-be. However, tragedy struck before the wedding. Since then, the vase has been passed down from generation to generation, leaving a streak of death and despair.
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5. The Cursed Amethyst
Fifth on our list of cursed objects in museums is the Cursed Amethyst. The gem was owned by Edward Heron-Allen in the 19th century, with the curse being so powerful that he locked the amethyst inside a bank vault with a note of warning for whoever handled it. It is said the stone was originally stolen from the Temple of the God Indra during the Indian Mutiny by Colonel W. Ferris, whose health later deteriorated, and he passed the gem on to his son. The son had similar ailments and later gave the gem to Heron-Allen.
4. The Haunted Shop Ledger
Next on our list of cursed objects in museums is the Haunted Shop Ledger. The haunted book was given to Preston Manor after the Kent family, who owned it, claimed to be plagued by ghostly visitors. The ledger dates back to World War I, bricked up in a shop wall and discovered by a worker. Soon after, the man and his family experienced visions of men, women, and children. Terrified, the Kent family got rid of the book.
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3. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond
Rounding out the top three cursed objects in museums on our list is the Koh-i-Noor Diamond. Measuring in at 105 carats, the diamond may be stunning, but it holds a serious dark side. The stone originally belonged to Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who died during the Anglo-Sikh wars, leaving the stone with his son, Duleep Singh. When the British Crown took control of the land, they also took hold of the diamond, which is now part of the British Crown Jewels. While the misfortune seems to affect only the men who wear it, the jewel contains to be a focal point in the Queen Mother’s Crown.
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2. Busby’s Stoop Chair
Second on our list of cursed objects in museums is Busby’s Stoop chair, which might have one of the most grisly backstories. In 1702, criminal and counterfeiter Thomas Busby murdered his father-in-law, Daniel Auty. Busby was arrested at the local inn and sentenced to death by hanging. According to stories, he laid a curse on his favorite chair at the inn, saying death would come to anyone who sat there. Since then, one chair has gained a sinister reputation, with those sitting in it later encountering accidents and fatal illnesses.
1. Unlucky Mummy
Last but not least on our list of cursed objects in museums is the Unlucky Mummy. Surprisingly, the curse comes not from a mummy, but the mummy board (coffin lid) of an unknown high-status woman from the 21st or 22nd dynasty. The artifact was found in the late 1800s in Thebes, and immediately started its bad omens, with the four men who purchased it falling to death or poverty. Since then, a string of illnesses, accidents, and deaths have been attributed to the mummy board.
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