Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

A Brazilian metalware Penca de Balangandans, ( a collection of lucky charms),

retailer's marks worn,

conventional form, the handle mounted with two birds and set with stones, the hanging charms include a figa (wooden hand), a fish, a pomegranate, a cashew nut, a bunch of grapes and other charms, length 17.5cm.

Penca de Balangandans were worn as a powerful protection against bad luck and evil spirits. They were used by slaves coming from West Africa, and were worn on a chain belt around the waist, which symbolically suggests fertility. All the charms have significant meanings. the cashew nut represents plenty, the grapes celebrations, and the fig wards off evil spirits.