Gold Figa pendant-charm

Gold Figa pendant/charm.
Dutch halmark for 14 carat gold.

This symbol is somewhat controversial. Properly called the “mano fico,” this is an Italian symbol going back centuries. The symbol is a closed fist, with the thumb going through the index and middle fingers. It is a representation of a woman’s genitalia and sex. It is said to ward off the “evil eye” and bring protection to the wearer. Basically, the gesture is supposed to be so offensive that it scares off the evil. Interestingly, Brazil and Portugal also see this amulet as a good luck symbol. BUT…much of the world sees this as a very obscene gesture, basically the equivalent of giving someone the finger. (Note  never wear this in Turkey, South Africa, France or Russia).