“This jewels are insignias of freedom and symbols of power”

Simone Trindade

Curator

Museu Carlos Costa Pinto

The exhibition presents a set of 30 jewels from 18th/19th century and 20 photographs belonging to the collection of Museu Carlos Costa Pinto, in City of Salvador, Brazil. Bringing the the wealth of ornament production in the colonial Bahia (a state in northeastern Brazil), theses jewels have become synonymous with grandeur and affirmation of the social condition of the carriers.  .
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Ball necklaces, cup bracelets, earrings, rings and “balangandãs” (metal necklaces) made by black goldsmiths, were characterized by African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences, carved and described in strong lines, heavy volume and exuberance typical of the African black body.