Catalogue no.: |
90 (temporary) |
Botanical classification: |
LEGUMINOSAE-CAESALPINIOIDEAE Caesalpinia sp.
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Common name: |
Nickernut |
Geographical description: |
Nicaragua, Central America |
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Item description: |
Baby bracelet |
Length: |
15cm - circumference |
No. of beads: |
2 |
Bead size: |
2cm across |
Additional information: |
Notes accompanying object: 'Hembra macho [female male] –A bracelet put on a baby. On the left if a girl, and right if a boy. This protects them from the evil eye. They must wear for 3 years. Every baby in the forest wears this bracelet.' |
Plant information: |
A spiny sprawling shrub with prickly pods which grows in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Most are evergreen.
In order to deter evil spirits, islanders in the Hebrides wore the marble-like seeds which had drifted along the Gulf Stream.
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Donor: |
Ruth Smith has spent many years collecting botanical jewellery from around the world and donated her large collection to Kew in 2005. It numbers over 200 items, made from various plant parts such as seeds and bark, from a wide range of species. |
