Talisman

A talisman or amulet is an object bearing a sign or engraved character and superstitiously thought to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune to its owner. It is usually placed near the desired sphere of influence, e.g., on the body, in a field, or above the entrance to the house. Primitive peoples often placed their faith in talismans to compensate for their weakness in the struggle against nature. Modern people subconsciously assign talisman value to personal jewelry so that either this idea is acquired or, more possibly, it is innate. If innate it expresses the need for power lying behind general acquisitiveness.