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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Balangandan

 I saw my first Balangandan at a friend's house. It was a fascinating cluster of metal fruit. She referred to it as slave charms. Given to a slave for "extra" favours.
She grew up in South Africa.
On the clasp that holds the charms, Africa and Brazil are represented by the two birds (parrots?).
It was worn on a chain at the waist. Or hung on the wall when not worn.

 I see it referred to as "Penca De Balangandan."  I cannot find a definitive source for information on it and Wiki doesn't even know the word exists. There are many different types of these, in silver and other metals, often with carved wooden or semi-precious stone pieces too.  What little I have gleaned is from other folks with one for sale.

                               It is a very special, unique, historical addition to my kitchen.

1 comment:

primrosesattic said...

Beautiful. Never heard or seen one. Thnak you for showing.
Rosezeeta.

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