Rock crystal and gilded copper figa with precious stone cabochons. Gothic. 15th century.

Rock crystal and gilded copper figa with precious stone cabochons. Gothic. 15th century.
7 x 3 cm.
Figas are amulets in the shape of a hand with the thumb mostly hidden, with its tip protruding between the index and middle finger. This is an insulting gesture and has been used since the times of Ancient Rome. These figas were used to ward off the evil eye or evil spirits. Those which, as in this case, were made of rock crystal, had two functions. They were amulets and also jewellery, and were worn by the upper classes of society.
Rock crystal habitually came from Milan, from where it arrived already cut, to be mounted in Spain.
Some similar examples to this can be found at the Lázaro Galdeano Foundation in Madrid, with inventory numbers 3264 and 3265.
Imperfection on one finger.