Amulets or Balangandãs
Decorative Arts and Design
On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
MEDIUM
Silver, bone, wood
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
Amulet one: 6 3/4 x 5 11/16 x 1 3/4 in. (17.1 x 14.4 x 4.4 cm)
Amulet two: 5 x 3 1/4 x 1 in. (12.7 x 8.3 x 2.5 cm)
Chain: 31 in. (78.7 cm)
ACCESSION NUMBER
2011.60.40
CREDIT LINE
Bequest of Margarita H. Button
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Two groups of amulets, referred to as balangandãs in Portuguese, that are hung from two silver holders and joined by a silver chain. These ornaments, which are worn round the neck or on belts, assure good fortune and protection and are characteristic of the gold and silver jewelry worn by African slaves or former slaves in Brazil during the 18th and 19th centuries. The amulets include coins dated 1861 and 1865; closed hands; birds, fish; turtle; horse; sheep; keys, fruits, pipes; moons; knife; and animal fangs and claws.
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