History of the United States in 100 Objects -- 19: Three Silver Higa Amulets, mid-1700s

--Three pendant amulets, in form of a forearm with closed fist --made of silver; ---about ½ inch to 2/3 inches long --found in midden at site of Spanish outpost, Los Adaes, in present-day Louisiana --dated to 18th century These three silver amulets in the form of a fist, found among the remains of the Spanish colonial fortress of Los Adaes in modern-day Louisiana, were intended to protect women and infants against the evil eye during childbirth. They reflect the fear, conflict, and struggle over control of sex and reproduction, as well as good and evil magic, at a remote colonial outpost. Please support to hear all patron-only lectures, including the previous installment of "100 Objects" -- https://www.patreon.com/posts/61475405 Link to Twitter Space discussion for listeners and supporters, on July 2nd: https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1ypKdEwVRWgGW?s=20