Victorian Gutta Percha Figa Talisman

One of the largest figas I've ever seen: a statement-sized Victorian talisman crafted in gutta percha with an 18k bracelet, cap and bail. I love the tiny button at the cuff.

DETAILS: Measuring approximately 2 1/2" long and 1" wide across the fist.  Not marked for metal content, but gold elements XRF test to 18k.

CONDITION: In excellent condition with a light patina and a few slight marks speaking to a long life of warding off the evil eye.

HISTORY: The figa is one of the most widely recognized protection amulets, known across cultures world-wide. Tradition relates it's start in Italy, although the figa was known in ancient Greece as a good luck charm believed to enhance fertility, and there is some evidence it may have come up to the European continent from Africa.

In modern day a few countries consider it an obscene gesture, France, Russia and Turkey for example, perhaps because of its strong visual connection to the more intimate parts of female anatomy; but overall it is valued mostly as a powerful talisman against the evil eye and other forms of incidental bad luck.