Summary

A rare pair of late Victorian celluloid 'mano figa' earrings, modelled as small coral coloured hands. Each hand holds a paste glass gem between the thumb and forefinger, with decorative brass mounts and later replacement ear wires.

Description

A wonderfully unusual pair of late Victorian celluloid earrings, modelled in the form of mano figa hands.

The earrings are made from coral coloured celluloid, one of the earliest commercial plastics, used here to imitate carved coral. Each hand is delicately shaped with individual fingers and holds a small paste glass gem between the thumb and forefinger. The hands are fitted with decorative brass type mounts, with later replacement ear wires for wear.

The mano figa, also known as mano fico or the fig hand, is an ancient talisman, and has long been used as a protective amulet, particularly against the evil eye and bad luck. Sources describe the mano figa / mano fico as an amulet with roots in ancient Roman and wider Mediterranean tradition, later appearing in Italian and other folk jewellery.

These earrings sit within that wider tradition of protective talisman jewellery, but in a playful Victorian form. The coral colour is also significant: coral and coral imitations were widely used in protective jewellery, especially in pieces associated with good fortune, childhood, fertility and warding symbolism.

A rare pair of antique talisman earrings, combining Victorian novelty jewellery, early celluloid, coral imitation and the enduring mano figa protective talisman.

Condition

Good antique condition for period, with minor wear. The ear wires are replacements.

Approximate Measurements

Length: 26.5 mm / 1.04 inches excluding wires

Width: 9.17 mm / 0.36 inches

Material: Celluloid and metal

Stones: Paste glass gems

Colour: Coral red / orange

Date: Late Victorian period

Style/type: Mano figa talisman earrings

Weight: 2.13 grams / 0.08 oz before packing

A2151 NV24-3