This diminutive pendant of a carved coral ‘Mano Fico’ was made and worn as a protective amulet. Tiny carved coral hands have been popular talismans in Italy for millennia. The most famous examples are the ‘Mano Fica’ and the ‘Mano Corno’, which both use hand signals to ward off evil.
This Mano Fico shows a hand with its thumb between the index- and middle finger, resembling a fig. The fig was also used as a slang for the vulva, and it was thought that displaying this vulgar symbol would scare away level spirits.
The tiny hand is fitted in an engraved 18k yellow gold cuff and hangs from a large jump ring.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 22 mm long including the jump ring: the hand measures 18 x 5 mm excluding the jump ring.
Weight: 0.66 grams
Age: 19th Century, Victorian era, circa 1860s.
Material: The jump ring is hallmarked with a French export mark for 18k gold: it was likely made in Italy.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age.
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