Ex Voto fist

NameSculpture

Date1990s

Place madeBrazil, South America

MediumWood

Dimensions7 7/8 × 2 3/8 × 1 9/16 in. (20 × 6 × 4 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of David Jenness and Kenneth Alan Collins, A.2018.54.4

Object numberA.2018.54.4

ProvenanceDonated by Ken Collins and David Jenness; Jeness' father purchased these in Chile, ca. 1920s. These items are being offered by Ken Collins. Ken lived in Brazil in the 1990s and early 2000s when he collected the Brazilian items; David Jeness’ father lived in Chile around the 1920s when he collected the Chilean pieces. These were previously reviewed by Barbara Mauldin and were listed as a promised gift.

DescriptionThis figa, a good luck symbol, is comprised of wood with an all over brown color depicting a carved fist and forearm. The detail of the fingers and finger nails are well defined, and the thumb and index finger overlap. On the back of the hand there is a square notch, and on the forearm the words are carved: “LOICO FILHO 99”