Amulets, Milagros & Ex-votos
Lesson Plan
PHOTO: Milagros from Mexico, Girard Collection, Museum
of International Folk Art (DCA) Santa Fe, NM. A.1981.42.672V.1
Photo by Paul Smutko.
Museum of International Folk Art
P.O. Box 2087
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-2087
(505) 476-1200 · FAX (505) 476-1300
www.internationalfolkart.org
Amulets, Milagros and Ex-Votos
Tiny metal objects, some representational, showing body parts or saints, others abstract or symbolic forms, still others holding writings or objects inside are powerful items in spite of their diminutive size. These are amulets, milagros and ex-votos and they represent a pathway to the supernatural for peoples all over the globe. Part of folk and traditional religious practices, amulets are used to ward off evil forces and attract positive influences. Ex-votos or milagros (milagro means miracle in Spanish) or tamata in Greece, are used as offerings to make specific requests for divine intervention as well as to give thanks for prayers that have been answered. These portable icons also can be seen as folk art objects. Understanding how they are used offers us insights into the way that people from different cultures perceive the world.
PHOTO: Ex-Votos from Mexico, Girard Collection, Museum of
International Folk Art (DCA) Santa Fe, NM A.1981.42.694V.1
Photo by Paul Smutko.
The term ex-voto means to take a vow or according
to a promise. Ex-votos in Mexico are devotional objects
of the working classes and are sold at churches, chapels
and sanctuaries. Often representing parts of the body,
they are attached to the clothing of statues of saints.
While these charm-like objects are becoming more popular
outside of the religious realm, they are an integral part
of the folk medical systems in Mexico and Latin America
Peru
Amulets in Peru are used to promote agricultural production
and as part of animal husbandry rites. Ritual stone
objects called illas, illa-chacras and
mesas are used by people in the Quechua and Aymara
region of the South Andes. Illa-chacras are used in
branding ceremonies, while the illas and mesas are utilized
in healing rites and agricultural ceremonies. Sometimes
they are buried, included with an object that is burned
or placed in a ritual bundle. The motifs that appear
on the illas and mesas are abstract, representing a symbolic
language.
Morocco
PHOTO: Amulets and Talisman from Morocco, Girard Collection,
Museum of International Folk Art (DCA) Santa Fe, NM. A.1981.42.704V.1
Muslims use amulets for protection and talismans to deal
with a specific matter for a limited time period.
Writing is incorporated to invoke magic and to animate prayers.
Small boxes, like envelopes, hold written talismans, sometimes
made of metal or animal, vegetal or mineral materials.
One popular amulet form is the hand, often appearing with
an eye on the palm. The hand form is called a khamsa
in Arabic and a hamez in Hebrew. The number
five is associated with the hand form and it can represent
the hand of Fatima, the daughter of the prophet Mohammed,
the five pillars of Islam, the five daily prayers of the
Muslim world or the prophet Mohammed and his family.
For Moroccan Berbers, the hand symbolizes human creativity,
protection, power and force. When an eye appears
on the hand form, it adds the additional protection from
the evil eye or envy.
West Africa
PHOTO: Amulets from Morocco,and north and sub-Saharan
countries, Girard Collection, Museum of International Folk
Art (DCA) Santa Fe, NM
A. 1981.42.710V.1 Photo by Paul Smutko.
 Amulets and talismans in West African countries are used for healing, protection and problem solving. They often include esoteric writing, and the sacred verses are worn in small leather pouches that are placed around the neck, upper arm or waist. Specific colors are used in conjunction with the mystical powers with which they are associated. Abstract designs and special arrangements of numbers are also used, creating mystical maps to the divine.
Vocabulary
amulet -a charm used to protect the wearer from evil
charm-something worn about the person to ward off evil
ex-voto- an offering
khamsa - a charm in the form of a hand
luck - a force that brings good fortune
milagro -miracle
mystical - having a spiritual meaning or reality
protection - being shielded or covered from exposure
saint -a person recognized for being holy
symbol -something that stands for something else, an object
having cultural significance
talisman -an object used to bring good luck and prevent
misfortune
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