16th Century England
The earliest known witch bottles appear in England during a period of intense witch-hunting and fear of the supernatural. These bottles were primarily used to protect against witchcraft and evil spirits.
17th Century Colonial America
English colonists brought the tradition to America, where it merged with Native American protective practices. The bottles became more elaborate, incorporating local materials and beliefs.
18th Century Peak Usage
The practice reached its height during the Salem witch trials era and continued throughout the 1700s. Bottles were commonly buried under doorsteps or thrown into rivers and oceans.
19th Century Decline
As the Age of Enlightenment progressed, the practice gradually declined, though it persisted in rural areas well into the 1800s.
21st Century Rediscovery
Modern coastal erosion and changing ocean currents have brought these historical artifacts back to shore, providing researchers with unprecedented access to well-preserved examples.
The Creation Ritual
Selection of Container
A glass or stoneware bottle was chosen, often a discarded wine or medicine bottle.
Addition of Personal Items
The creator would add their own urine, hair, nail clippings, or blood to establish a magical connection.
Insertion of Sharp Objects
Pins, needles, and nails were added to "pierce" any evil directed at the household.
Sealing and Concealment
The bottle was sealed with wax or cork and buried, hidden in walls, or thrown into water under specific moon phases.