Antique Victorian gold tone crescent moon shops hanging coin charms pin brooch

Product Name: Antique Victorian gold tone crescent moon shops hanging coin charms pin brooch
Exquisite specimen showcases the very early C-clasp and eight dangling charms. This is almost certainly the Victorian's interpretation and revival of the Brazilian Penca De Balangandan amulet. Here is a brief description from the British Museum: "The history of the balangandan blends itself with the history of Africans brought to Brazil , and their heritage of beliefs, culture and religion. Each balangandan had a meaning of its own, depending on the circumstances of its owner. Overall it was meant to bring good luck by evoking the protection of various African gods and goddesses and the protection of various saints of the Catholic Church as well as shops calling on the symbolism attached to various items. Balangandans could be worn by women on the sides of dresses or vests, and larger versions were hung over the entrances of houses or laid on tables." It was extremely common for these pieces to showcase two birds facing one another as seen here. It was also common for coins, representing wea.