Works like this were created by African slave artisans during the Portuguese colonization of Brazil. Individual amulets depict significant items from African heritage and traditions, and were collected together in family groupings.  Sometimes worn as jewelry or used as household decorations, Balangandas paid tribute to ancestors and warded off evil spirits and is an example of the co-existence of African and Christian beliefs.

Angolan Slaves.  Brazil

Ca 1700 – 1800.  Silver