THE MANO FICO (FIG HAND)
Figa Fists Ancient Protection Keyring, Keychain
Italian Mano Fico, Evil Eye.
Silver"BX"Carved 23 x 8mm
Ancient protection Symbol.
85mm Total Inc Keyring
The mano fico, also called figa, is an Italian amulet of ancient origin.
Examples have been found from the Roman era, and it was also used by the Etruscans.
Mano means "hand" and fico or figa means "fig,"
with the idiomatic slang connotation of a woman's genitals.
(An English slang equivalent might as well be "pussy hand.")
It represents a hand gesture in which the thumb is thrust between
the curled index and middle fingers in obvious imitation of hetorsexual intercourse.
Whether made as an apotropaic gesture or worn as an amulet,
the mano fico is used for magical protection against the evil eye.
In this it resembles other hand gestures and hand images that ward off evil,
including the hamsa hand, the eye-in-hand, the mano cornuta (horned hand),
and the interlocked thumb gesture. A regionally popular amulet, it is primarily
found in Italy and in America among descendents of Italian immigrants.
It also shows up on a Peruvian package amulet and in a South American
charm vial, both reflecting colonial European influences.
The mano fico shown here is a modern pewter reproduction of a
19th century silver amulet, probably from the area around Naples,
where such charms were extremely popular.
Older Neapolitan mano fico charms were also carved of blood coral.
Weeks of wear can build up oils and we advise you take them out for a good clean
Please be advised to take off this item before
showering and bathing as this can advance tarnishing of the them,
as before a good clean does the trick.
Costume Jewellery is not for constant wear.
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