Description: "Penca de balangandã" in metal with 12 hollow decoration elements, a Brazilian amulet to ward off the evil eye and negative forces, was part of traditional Creole clothing in Bahia in the 19th century, an old and unusual piece. Dimensions: Hanger is approx. 8" wide, 5" tall. See photos. Chain is 10-1/2" long (doubled). Material: Thin metal. Looks silvery. Perhaps a brass/copper/silver alloy. Age: Typical of similar ones described as "19th Century" Weight: 1 lb, 3 oz The history of PENCA OF BALANGANDAN As the indigenous peoples who worked on the Portuguese colonial plantations in Brazil died out or fled, they were replaced by African slaves, who brought with them elements of their home cultures. The African territories they came from, a number boasted fairly advanced metallurgical industries. The balangandan is a religious object typical of Brazil, and particularly of the state of Bahia, that represents the encounter between African and European cultures. In Portuguese, it is called a penca, or bouquet, while the name balangandan is an onomatopoetic word meant to recall the sound made by the object's dangling metal baubles. Consisting of a number of charms strung on a common fastener 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 be 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.
Price: 145.99 USD
Location: Akron, Ohio
End Time: 2025-02-01T15:38:54.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Color: Silver
Original/Reproduction: Original
Material: Unknown
Culture: Latin American
