Brazilian Penca de Balangandans. Low grade silver and metal. With 9 charms. Late 19th century. Please refer to this link for an high-res image https://www.dropbox.com/s/1sh1vuiue23bn15/1065005_1.jpg?dl=0 The origin of "Penca de Balangandan" began in Brazil, in the state of Bahia, where slaves collected detailed symbolic charms representing spiritual beliefs. Charms hanging on the holder also had specific meaning. Many of them represented gods in Yoruba religion or Christian saints. Angola bread - a symbol of longevity. Chains - a symbol of slavery. Cabaca represented Christian saints and protectors of children, Cosmas and Damian. Cashew representes God of thunder Shango (Chango or Xango), fire, justice, leadership. Club represented God Obatala (Oxala or Ochala), the Sky Father and the creator of human bodies. He was responsible for birth of good spirits. Grapes represented Goddess Oshum (Oxum), mother of freshwater, queen of waterfalls, goddess of innocence and sweetness. Goddess of fertility. Fist or Figa were to ward off evil eye, jealousy and diseases. Horseshoe was a symbol of happiness and good luck. Corn, fruits and cereals symbolize fertility of the land. Cocoa - cocoa plantation is were slaves worked. Pigeon was a symbol of martyr Christian saints. Sun represented the god of rainbow Oshunmare (Osumare). Moon represented, in turn, god Oshosi (Oxosi), the spirit associated with the hunt, forests, animals, and wealth. Crab represented Babalu-Aye (Omulu), the god of sickness and cemeteries. Sword represented Oya (Iansa), goddess of winds, lightening, and violent storms, death and rebirth. Symbolizes the fight for survival and hard work.