Rare Antique Large Penca De Balangandan Brazilian Good Luck African Slave Charms
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:38906 | Material: silver, copper, brass |
| Provenance: Ownership History Not Available |
You are viewing a large version of a penca de balangandan. This item was found hanging in the kitchen of an estate of an elderly couple near Philadelphia. The item consists of an ornate bird holder, 7 large handmade charms and a primitive chain that it hangs from. I am unsure of the metal content, but if I had to guess, I would say a low grade silver plate over either brass or copper. The holder definitely appears to be brass for sure, as the silver has worn quite a b...it in the back to reveal a brass color.
The size of the charms on penca can vary, and smaller ones were worn as jewelry by slaves. Charms were sometimes given to the slaves by plantation owners for good behavior or for special occasions. This particular penca is quite large in size, and was meant to hang in a doorway or kitchen to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. When hanging, the entire piece, excluding the chain, measures 11" long x 12" wide.
The significance of the pieces is as follows:
Chain-Slavery
The holder- The shape resembles a slave ship, and the birds facing each other represent Africa and Brazil.
Corn, pomegranate, artichoke, orange and lemon(fruits and vegetables)-symbolize wealth, fertility, good fortune
The cashew- (the upside down cone with a stem) Represents the god of thunder, Shango, and fire, justice and leadership.
The gourd vessel-symbolizes a womb, or fertility.
This item will be packaged with care and shipped free with expedited shipping.
The size of the charms on penca can vary, and smaller ones were worn as jewelry by slaves. Charms were sometimes given to the slaves by plantation owners for good behavior or for special occasions. This particular penca is quite large in size, and was meant to hang in a doorway or kitchen to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. When hanging, the entire piece, excluding the chain, measures 11" long x 12" wide.
The significance of the pieces is as follows:
Chain-Slavery
The holder- The shape resembles a slave ship, and the birds facing each other represent Africa and Brazil.
Corn, pomegranate, artichoke, orange and lemon(fruits and vegetables)-symbolize wealth, fertility, good fortune
The cashew- (the upside down cone with a stem) Represents the god of thunder, Shango, and fire, justice and leadership.
The gourd vessel-symbolizes a womb, or fertility.
This item will be packaged with care and shipped free with expedited shipping.
