A few years ago I started collecting figas. The symbol dates back to nearly 8,000 years ago and whether you believe it is an obscene gesture or a talisman that protects from evil, it still is relevant today especially to me. I’ve been collecting them for about three years. Throughout this time, I’ve been lucky enough to happen upon some figa “jackpots” where I buy a collection all at once that nearly doubles the size of what I own. This happened first in the very beginning of my collection, when I bought a bunch from James McHone Jewelry. Then it happened recently when I was visiting LA and Excalibur Jewelry had a whole bag of them.
Since the start of my collection, I’ve created its own hashtag #gemgossipfigas which has tracked my growth and expansion of this single obsession. It is neat to look back and see how it came to be. Whenever I post my figas, I automatically get so many questions about what it means and comments about what the symbol suggests.
The other thing I get the most is “where can I buy these?” This is always so hard to answer people because they are vintage and antique, so if I’ve found a few at one store, chances are they won’t be sourced from the same place every time. I have noticed Charmco keeps a pretty steady inventory and has some really unique ones, so I’ve been constantly suggesting them as a source.
I’m proud of this collection and looking forward to see where it goes in the future!
Follow my Pinterest board with all things FIGA!
marsha silver March 18, 2019 at 1:13 pm:
i have a couple for sale that i purchase while living in Brasil during the 1970’s.