Context (Field collection)
Sent by Mary Alicia Owen to A.C. Haddon for use at Folklore Congress.
Collected by: Owen.M.A.
Event Date 27/10/1995
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Box of protective luck balls made by Alexander.
Event Date 27/10/1995
Author: maa

Context (Related Documents)
Letter in MAA archives from Mary Owen, dated 4 February 1892 to Professor A.C. Haddon,
"Have you forgotten the 'voodoo' of the Folk-Lore Congress? I am afraid you have, but perhaps the enclosed 'luck-balls' may be potent enough to stimulate your memory. It us made just like [? Mr] Leland's- with the same words and with the same materials, excepting the clover. This/ is not the season of clover so a fragment of paper from one of your books, represents you. Your name is quoted many times, so I am sure that the ball is a good one. In a little book of folk-lore, which [?Mrs marrin?] expects to publish in May, will be a full account of the ball-making. I am going to send you a copy. The book will not be as entertaining as the Torres Straits' Legends,/ but please read a part of it- just to save the feelings of the authoress.
I am still looking forward to that promised visit which you are to make us in company with Mrs Haddon and all the babies.
(Be sure to wet the ball once a week with whisky, [?-oh yes?] and take good care of it for you cannot get another as 'powerful'- Alexander died suddenly the 26th of January)
I haven't any more paper in the house and I cannot go out of doors to get any because I've had the influenza, so I hasten to inscribe myself,
Very faithfully yours,
Mary Alicia Owen"

Event Date 16/12/2014
Author: Rachel Hand