Antique Vintage Victorian Sterling Silver Ragastens Penca Balangandan Necklace

  

Gram Weight: 288.9 Grams. 925 Sterling Silver chain and penca, the charms are Sterling Silver Plated.

Item Measurements: The chain has a wearable length of 25. The penca is 3.25" long by 4.25" wide, with an additional drop of 3.25 from the charms. Pendant Type: Penca de Balangandan. Notable Features: This Ragastens Penca de Balangandan was completely handmade. In Brazil during the Victorian era.

It features a long sterling silver cable link chain strung through the crowning section of an arching penca pendant. The penca pendant has the traditional bowed shape along the bottom, which is actually hinged, allowing the bottom to open for easy addition or removal of charms. The penca is held closed with a large sterling silver plated ring, which is quite malleable, and can be opened and closed gently by hand. The penca has a very open design, with a floral center and arching, curling vine-like designs forming the bale and perches for the traditional penca parrots. The two parrots are facing one another, with etched scalloped accents for feathers. Hanging from the bottom of the penca are nine sterling silver plated balangandan charms that are shaped like different types of crop foods. Among the charms are an ear of corn, a gourd, an orange, and a pomegranate. All of the charms are hollow, making them lighter to wear, and allowing them to make a jingling sound when they move. There is a slight patina forming on the sterling silver, which gives the piece an antique feel. Is an incredible piece of history. Please take this into consideration before. This beautiful piece was made during the Victorian Period! This era is famous for its rare and elegant designs.

The name comes from the ruling monarch of the time, Queen Victoria. As the indigenous peoples who worked on the Portuguese colonial plantation in Brazil died out or fled, they were replaced with African slaves who brought with them elements of their home cultures. The Penca de Balangandan is a religious object that is still found in Brazil, most prominently in the state of Bahia, that represents the encounter between African and European colonial cultures. In Portuguese, it is called a penca, or bouquet, while balangandan is an onomatopoeic word meant to mimic the sound of the jangling charms.

The charms were full of meaning, many of them representing African gods or Christian saints, good luck charms, or symbols of merit. Penca de Balangandan could be worn as necklaces, bracelets, or hung in doorways to ward off evil. The item "Antique Vintage Victorian Sterling Silver Ragastens Penca Balangandan Necklace" is in sale since Sunday, December 17, 2017.

This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Fine\Victorian, Edwardian 1837-1910\Necklaces & Pendants". The seller is "abeautifultimeco" and is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Style: Pendant
2. Metal: Sterling Silver
3. Metal Purity: .925
4. Chain Style: Charm
5. Country/Region of Manufacture: Brazil
6. Era: Victorian