The “Pença de Balangandans” is a religious object created by African slaves brought into Brazil. Smaller versions were worn on clothing; larger ones were hung behind a home’s entrance door to bring protection. Each charm represents something different: the fist, for example, wards off jealousy and disease, while the corn represents the fertility of the land. From the collection of artist Sam Christian Holmes.
PHOTO BY MIKE CIESIELSKI
