Penca de Balangandãs

NameAmulet

Artist Manoel Borges (silversmith, Rio de Janeiro)

Date2013

Place madeRio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America

MediumMetal, wood

Dimensionsas hangs: 2 11/16 × 2 9/16 × 1 9/16 in. (6.8 × 6.5 × 4 cm)

Credit LineIFAF purchase

Object numberFA.2013.25.1

Collections

Latin America

DescriptionSmall penca de balangandãs formed of a shiny silver-colored metal "handle" with stamped floral forms on the top half. There is a bird on each side and the bottom is toothed and pierced for the attachment of nine "charms". The charm-like forms include six round fruits with leaves, a small dark hardwood fist with a silver metal bracelet, with the thumb positioned between the index and third finger, an ear of corn, and a bunch of grapes. The charms, "hanger" and bracelet all appear to be of different colored metals.