In Byzantine society, reliquary and amulet holders, such as this beautiful example, would be employed to hold lamellae, very thin metal sheets inscribed with magical incantations that could serve a large array of purposes, from easing ill physical conditions, to assist women with child birth. These thin metal sheets would be tightly rolled and inserted in the cylindrical case. Although worn to protect the owner in everyday life, such amulet cases have also been found in funerary contexts, suggesting their apotropaic purpose was likely believed to extend to the afterlife.
To discover more about jewellery in the Ancient World, please visit our relevant post: Jewellery in Antiquity.