Ulster Museum

In my first visit to Northern Ireland, I visited the Ulster Museum right before going to the airport to return to England. Now I live very close to it.

Despite living in Jordanstown for effectively four years, I never noticed that this salamander pendent was on the Loughshore Park sculpture until I returned a couple of weekends ago. Never knew it was a known symbol.

The pendent seems to be from the Spanish Empire with materials originating in South America and Myanmar. The salamander was thought to survive exposure to flames as well as the ability to extinguish them. Therefore, it was a symbol of good luck especially on wooden ships.

Some of the jewels are missing from the pendent. Makes you wonder where they are now!