The Higa, also known as Figa or Manezuela, is an amulet with a rich history that dates back to Mediterranean and pre-Christian civilizations. Used to protect against the evil eye and envy, its symbolism combines pagan and Christian elements. Over the centuries, it has been adopted by various cultures, maintaining its relevance both in popular traditions and contemporary jewelry.
Higa Amulet: An Ancestral Amulet of Protection Against the Evil Eye
The fascination with amulets has accompanied humanity since ancient times. Among all of them, the Higa—also known as Figa, Manezuela, or Puñera—stands out for its profound symbolic charge and the multiple cultures that have reclaimed it throughout history.
Origins and Primal Symbolism of the Higa
The origins of the Higa trace back to Mediterranean and pre-Christian civilizations that used it as a talisman to ward off evil.
Archaeological findings in Phoenician and Roman territories attest to the importance this object held. The gesture of the closed hand, with the thumb protruding between the index finger and the heart, had a dual purpose: to provide protection against bad omens and to send a message of irreverence against harmful energies.
On the other hand, the fig tree—the tree revered in various mythologies—was associated with fertility and sexuality. This link with fecundity was reinforced by the shape of the Higa, which some interpreters related to phallic symbols. Hence, the denomination “impudent hand” emerged, embodying a certain boldness intended to counteract malignant forces.
Higa: Presence in Various Civilizations
The versatility of the Higa transcended cultural and geographical boundaries. Among the Phoenicians and Romans, it was carved from materials such as bronze or coral.
Later, American indigenous peoples, African tribes, and Arab populations adopted similar versions for spiritual protection. In the Iberian Peninsula, these amulets accompanied the daily lives of peasants and artisans, becoming an unbreakable symbol of protection against envy and curses.
Pre-Roman references are evident when analyzing the relationship of the Higa with crescent moons and other symbols associated with fertility goddesses like Astarte and Aphrodite. Those peoples believed that the shape of the hand in the Higa alluded not only to the punishment of the negative but also to the invocation of creative energy.
During the Middle Ages, the popularity of the Higa increased noticeably.
Even though the Catholic Church prohibited certain amulets considered “phallic” or “impudent,” many rural and urban communities persisted in their use to protect themselves from hexes and the evil eye. In regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Castilla-La Mancha, pieces made of jet or coral stood out for their brilliant colors and detailed carvings.
Furthermore, medieval manufactures and inventories show that these talismans could bear other images or inscriptions that offered greater protective power. Figures of popular saints—Saint Anthony, Saint James, or Saint John—were engraved on the wrist or fingers to invoke their divine aid. Gradually, the Higa transformed into a hybrid object, merging pagan and Christian confluences.
The Influence of the Higa in the Renaissance
During the Renaissance, Europe experienced a renewed fervor for classical culture. This return to Greco-Roman sources reinforced the symbolism of the Higa, which began to feature more elaborate ornaments and increased in size.
Jet, coral, and rock crystal dominated production during this period. Each material corresponded to a specific belief:
- Jet: associated with magic and healing, used to ward off negativity.
- Coral: due to its reddish hue, believed to protect against blood diseases and adverse natural phenomena.
- Rock crystal: its purity and transparency represented light and mental clarity, as well as safeguarding against sadness and melancholy.
Nevertheless, despite the sophistication, the gesture of the hand continued to dominate the iconography. This persistence is explained by the endurance of the evil eye as a collective fear and the need to channel positive energy through jewelry.
Artisans developed various techniques to embellish the Higas. They included silver or plated metal mounts, bracelets with pearl or precious stone inlays, and finely chiseled filigree details. In some workshops, spike engravings were carved on the back of the hand or on the fingers to emphasize the peculiar position of the thumb.
Starting in the 17th century, a trend towards the left hand in designs was identified, indicating a connection with the maternal lineage or with female deities. In contrast, the right hand symbolized masculinity and could incorporate hearts that evoked male vital force. Although these distinctions varied by region, they reflect the richness of meanings accumulated around a simple closed fist.
Meaning of the Higa in the Contemporary Context and Cultural Heritage
Over the centuries, the Higa lost its sacred or magical connotation in certain areas to become an aesthetic accessory. However, many communities still value it as a protective amulet against envy and the so-called “evil eye.”
Girls and women, especially, incorporate it into their jewelry collections as a symbol of identity and spiritual defense.
In the 19th century, some designs sought to suppress the obscene connotation by adding saints or virgins carved on the wrist. By the 20th century, the general trend was towards simplification, with less ornate figures and a return to the original essence of the fist. Still, the amulet’s roots remained strong in regions with rural traditions, where folkloric beliefs are passed down from generation to generation.
Today, the Higa is produced in a wide variety of materials, from porcelain and wood to glass.
These more economical and accessible options democratize its use, although they reduce resistance to wear. Those seeking quality and deeper symbolism still opt for jet and coral, considering them sources of energy and protection.
Jewelers in Galicia and Asturias, renowned for their work in jet, still craft beautiful handmade Higas. These preserve the traditional essence and combine the meticulous polishing of the stone with silver or gold settings to satisfy both conservative tastes and contemporary trends.
Healing Power and Superstition of the Higa as an Amulet
Although modern science does not validate the supernatural powers attributed to the Higa, psychology recognizes that protective objects can foster confidence and emotional well-being in those who wear them. This symbolic dimension is fundamental to understanding why an amulet like the Higa remains relevant: the faith placed in it becomes a catalyst for inner security.
In popular medicine, it has been credited with the ability to alleviate dental problems, reduce fevers, and expel malignant energies presumed to cause various ailments. There is no scientific evidence to support such effects, but the cultural and emotional dimension often sustains collective practices that strengthen identity and social cohesion.
Far from fading away today, the Higa continues to captivate collectors, researchers, and the general public. Ethnographic museums in Spain and private collections around the world exhibit ancient Higas in red coral, ivory, or black jet, reflecting the extraordinary ability of this amulet to endure.
In various artisanal markets, interest in the Higa has seen a renewed boost among visitors seeking items with tangible history. Its minimalist designs, mystical symbolism, and cultural versatility make it a permanent reminder of human creativity in the face of uncertainty.
The Cultural Journey of the Higa: From Pagan Symbol to Universal Amulet Connecting Faith, Tradition, and Art
The Higa, from its role as a pagan symbol to its adoption within Christian tradition, encompasses a unique narrative that blends ancient origins, cultural exchanges, and popular beliefs. Its resilience confirms that amulets not only serve to embellish but also represent the human need to rely on a higher power or objects endowed with mystical protection.
In an increasingly globalized world, the study and valorizations of amulets like the Higa remind us of the relevance of oral traditions, rituals, and artistic expressions that define community identity. Although its protective function may be considered more symbolic than real today, its persistence signals a collective longing for security and connection with the ancestral.
This amulet, seemingly modest at first glance, synthesizes the intimate relationship between faith, tradition, and art that transcends borders. Its journey from hand to hand, civilization to civilization, represents the constant exchange of values and beliefs that shape our cultural heritage. And even today, it continues to captivate those who seek a touch of everyday magic amid the dizzying modernity.
Mike Rivero – Interesting Amulets and Talismans
