Glass Good Luck Charm from La Belle
Glass fica provided protection against the evil eye
This good luck charm was discovered as part of the 1996 excavation of La Belle in Matagorda Bay. The ship was part of the 1684-85 expedition to America by René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. The fica is a fist-shaped symbol of ancient origin that is designed to protect against the evil eye, a folk belief that the envy or dislike of another person could cause bad luck. These beliefs were common in Mediterranean countries.
Lender
Property of France from the collection of the Musée national de la Marine. Loan courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission, Austin
About
Clothing and Accessories
9/10" Height X 3/10" Diameter
1680s
Display Status
This artifact is not on view.
