Silver Mounted Rock Crystal Manu Fica Amulet. German, Circa 1600.

A silver mounted rock crystal Manu Fica amulet.
 
German, circa 1600.
 
Measures 6.9 x 2.5 x 2.5cm (excluding loose bail).
 
The rock crystal hand is set in a silver pendant mount, the wrist of the hand is surrounded by a lace cuff which would have been highly fashionable during this period.
 
Manu Fica as protective amulets have been used since the ancient world, it was believed to protect from the evil eye and other dark and magical forces and to promote fertility. In ancient Rome, the fig sign, or manu fica, was made by the pater familias (father of the family) to ward off the evil spirits of the dead as a part of the Lemuria ritual. The ancient Greeks wore amulets of the gesture around the neck to protect from the evil eye, and also used the gesture in artwork. What they considered an overtly sexual gesture was expected to distract evil spirits from causing harm.
 
The pendant would have been worn from a belt or from a chatelaine containing other protective talismans.
 
 
Similar examples:
 
Amulett und Talisman: Erscheinungsform und Geschichte, page 199, no.640.
Feige aus Bergkristall in goldener Man-schette. Deutsch (?) 16./17. Jh H etwa 60.
 
Collection of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ident. Nr.: F 1277 l. 
Amulett in Form einer Neidfeige, um 1500.