What is a “Figa?”

Figa:
The Figa (fee-gah) is a symbol of one of the
age-old myths of Africa; this clenched-fist good-luck charm came to Brazil with
its XVII century slave trade.

As its memories paled over generations, belief in its powers
to increase warriors’ fertility also faded, but until nowadays it is prized by Brazilians
for luck, prosperity, and protection.

Ranging from delicate earrings to meter-tall sculptures,
Brazil’s attractive Figa may be carved from wood or stone, crafted from plain
or precious metals, and even set with gems.

The Figa can be made into jewelry or sculptures (produced
from plain wood or precious metals and gems), but the figa is now used purely
for luck.

The Figa tradition is that to obtain luck from this symbol
the Figa must be received as a gift.

They can be found in Bahia today worn as necklace by Bahianas
to complement their wardrobe or mounted in the home of a schoolteacher.

My Pan African World