Penca de Balangandan
The Penca de Balangandan: A Bouquet of History
The penca de balangandan is an Afro-Brazilian amulet that beautifully intertwines cultural heritage and personal significance. The term “penca” translates to “bouquet” in Portuguese, while “balangandan” is an onomatopoetic word that mimics the sound of the metal charms clinking together. This amulet, rich in history and symbolism, serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of its wearers.
Originally crafted from silver, these amulets were often presented by plantation owners to favored slaves, symbolizing both monetary value and personal significance. Each penca was unique, reflecting the life path and experiences of its wearer. The central fastener itself was also said to symbolize the ships that carried enslaved people to the New World, with the birds on either side representing Africa and the Americas.
Penca de balangandan, The House of Good Fortune Collection
The Museum of Ethnography explains the origins of the amulet and its meaning:
“Consisting of a number of charms strung on a common fastener hung from a chain, the balangandan traces its roots back to the 17th century, though its more general use dates to the 18th-19th centuries. Worn by women of African descent, the balangandan most frequently adorned the thick chain belts that hung about slaves' waists, though on special occasions, it might be attached to the wrist. When not in use, it hung in the house near the door. Originally made of silver, the balangandan represented a significant monetary value and was not infrequently presented by plantation owners to favoured slaves. Each balangandan was unique, having been composed to reflect the specific life path of its wearer. Its charms included religious symbols that could be interpreted simultaneously as Christian in origin, or as representing certain African gods. Other charms were intended to impart good fortune, happiness, prosperity, or good health, while a third type were selected out of gratitude for - and in commemoration of - having survived some misfortune, such as an accident or illness. The function of the balangandan was in some respects similar to that of a modern charm bracelet.”
Penca de balangandan brooch, The House of Good Fortune Collection
In the Brazilian state of Bahia, the penca de balangandan was a prominent feature of the creole ladies’ attire. The style included extravagant layers of jewelry worn over delicate blouses and sweeping skirts.
Some would draw a straight line from these creole women to “Carmen Miranda’s iconic persona and accessories styling” (below left), noting that the flamboyant accessories could have drawn inspiration from these historical adornments.
The Museu Carlos Costa Pinto in Salvador houses an historic collection of jewelry, silver, furniture and art and is recognized as a leading source of information on crioula jewelry in general and pencas de balangandan in particular. (below right)
Carmen Miranda, in extravagantly layered jewelry and headdress.
If you want to take a deep dive into this subject, The House recommends: PENCAS DE BALANGANDÃS: CONSTRUÇÃO HISTÓRICA, VISUAL E SOCIAL DAS “CRIOULAS” NO SECULO XIX by Aline Souza Hardman. This dissertation is the secondary source of some of the photos above. (Even if you don’t read Portuguese, the pictures are worth it. You’ll get the gist.) The primary source for many of the photos is Joias de Crioula: Jewelry of the Brazilian Crioula.
Penca de Balangandan with various charms, from the collection of the Museum of International Folk Art
The British Museum has a penca de balangandan in its collection. Sadly, a digital photograph of the object is not available, but the Museum explains:
“The history of the balangandan blends itself with the history of Africans brought to Brazil , and their heritage of beliefs, culture and religion. Each balangandan had a meaning of its own, depending on the circumstances of its owner. Overall it was meant to bring good luck by evoking the protection of various African gods and goddesses and the protection of various saints of the Catholic Church as well as calling on the symbolism attached to various items. Balangandans could be worn by women on the sides of dresses or vests, and larger versions were hung over the entrances of houses or laid on tables.”
The museum also lists the possible symbolism associated with some of the commonly used charms. They include:
• Fist (i.e. the figa): believed to drive away illnesses and envy.
• Melon: symbol of longevity.
• Dove: symbol of the Catholic Martyr Saints and of Christian devotion.
• Pomegranate: symbol of fertility.
• Moon, bow and arrow: symbols of Oxóssi – the hunting God, the protector of the forests, and of Saint George.
• Axe: symbol of Xangô - God of lightning, fire and justice.
• Fish: symbol of Iemanjá - Goddess of the sea waters.
• Coins: symbols of wealth and prosperity.
• Key: symbol of freedom.
• Sea turtle: symbol of fertility.
• Chimney sweep: symbol of good luck (introduced to Brazil in the early 19th century by German immigrants)
Pencas de balangandan with fish motif, sold at auction
Penca de balangandan, sold at auction