Antique LARGE Penca de Balangandan South American Slave Amulet Jewelry 10 Charms For Sale

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

---

Antique LARGE Penca de Balangandan South American Slave Amulet Jewelry 10 Charms:
$311.00

This listing is for a very large brass-toned metal (not sure of metal content) penca de balangandan. (SEE BELOW for more detailed information about the history of penca de balangandans and the meanings of the charms.) The balangandan in this listing consists of a charm holder and ten charms plus a hanging chain. The charm holder opens up so that you can either remove charms or add other charms; one end is the hinged-end and the other end has a wire in it with looped ends on each side of the holder that can be easily opened up by opening the loop with a pair of pliers, pulling out the wire and opening the holder. History of the Penca de Balangandan The balangandan is a part of the history of Brazilian slaves, particularly of the state of Bahia. Consisting of a number of charms strung on a fastener/holder hung from a chain, the balangandan traces its roots back to the 17th century, though its more general use dates to the 18th-19th centuries. Worn by women of African descent, the balangandan most frequently adorned the thick chain belts that hung about slaves' waists, though on special occasions, it might have been attached to the wrist. When not in use, it hung in the house near the door. Each balangandan was unique, having been composed to reflect the specific life path of its wearer. Its charms included religious symbols that could be interpreted simultaneously as Christian in origin, or as representing certain African gods. Other charms were intended to impart good fortune, happiness, prosperity, or good health, while a third type were selected out of gratitude for - and in commemoration of - having survived some misfortune, such as an accident or illness. The function of the balangandan was in some respects similar to that of a modern charm bracelet. The charms of the balangandan frequently depicted plants or fruits such as the pomegranate, symbolizing wealth or fertility. One common motif was that of the gourd vessel or dipper, which a number of African cultures used as a symbol for the female womb. Another was that of a hand posed in what is known as the 'fig' gesture, or figa, with the thumb protruding from between the curled index and middle fingers. Originally a Mediterranean symbol used to impart fertility and ward off evil spirits, the figa is still a very popular symbol in Brazil today. The fastener/holder on which the charms were strung was representative of the ships that brought the slaves to the New World, the birds that sat on either side symbolizing the continents of Africa and the Americas. Balangandans dating to the post-19th century were frequently made of brass or copper and were coveted for their craftsmanship and beauty, rather than their monetary value. Since the 1980s, various modern versions have emerged, made from new materials and featuring different types of charms

Please see photos for the best reference

of condition

Any questions are welcome

Large Bordello Cast Iron Victorian Skeleton Key Antique Finish SAME DAY SHIPPING

$10.95

Antique Large Heavy American Brilliant Period Cut Glass Jewelry Dresser Box

$399.00

Antique Large Spanish Leather Made Rare Storage Box With Stud Patterning W44cm

$115.37

UNIQUE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ANTIQUE Large of Ankh Key of Life Luck Hieroglyphic

$238.50

Antique Large Bordello Cast Iron Victorian Skeleton Key

$11.95

Antique Large Cast Iron Victorian Skeleton Key Bottle Opener Fancy

$12.95

RARE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ANTIQUE Large Isis Heavy Stone Statue Luck Hieroglyphic

$198.75

Antique large ornate floral metal footed platter tray

$208.42