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Across Italy’s sunlit villages and bustling cities, jewelry has long been more than ornamentation — it’s protection, identity, and a whisper of centuries-old superstition. Among the most cherished amulets of Italian heritage are three iconic pendants: the Mano Cornuto, the Mano Figa, and the Cornicello.
These are not merely accessories but apotropaic symbols — a term derived from the Greek apotropein, meaning “to ward off.” In ancient cultures, apotropaic objects were believed to deflect evil influences and protect the wearer from misfortune. At ONISI PARIS, where we curate precious jewelry from every corner of the world, these Italian talismans hold a special place — blending ancient folklore with timeless beauty.
The Cornicello — Italy’s Red Horn of Fortune
The Cornicello, often called the “Italian horn” or “corno,” is perhaps the most recognizable of Italian amulets. Traditionally shaped like a twisted chili pepper or horn, it is believed to ward off the “malocchio” — the evil eye — and attract good luck and vitality.
Its origins trace back to ancient Roman and Etruscan cultures, where the horn symbolized fertility and strength, linked to the power of the moon goddess Luna and the horned animal — emblems of life and protection.
Today, you’ll find cornicelli in gold, silver, coral, or red glass, often worn as pendants or hanging from keychains in Naples and southern Italy.
The Mano Cornuto — The Horned Hand of Protection
The Mano Cornuto, or “horned hand,” is a small charm depicting a fist with the index and little fingers extended, mimicking the gesture of horns. This ancient sign is a gesture of defiance against bad luck, shielding its wearer from curses and envy.
Its meaning runs deep in Italian culture — originally a pagan hand sign used in rituals to repel evil spirits, later transformed into a lucky pendant worn by men and women alike.
While modern interpretations sometimes associate the gesture with rock music or rebellion, its traditional purpose remains pure: to protect and empower.
The Mano Figa — Feminine Strength and Fertility
Perhaps the most mysterious of the trio, the Mano Figa (literally “fig hand”) depicts a closed fist with the thumb protruding between the index and middle fingers. The symbol dates back to ancient Rome and pre-Christian fertility rites, where it represented female power, abundance, and protection against the evil eye.
Across the Mediterranean, the Mano Figa became a token of luck and sensual vitality, later reinterpreted in silver and gold as a beautiful pendant. It has remained a discreet yet potent symbol of feminine energy and resilience — qualities that transcend time and culture.
Italian Amulets as Cultural Heirlooms
What makes these pendants so captivating is not just their charm, but their connection to Italian identity and tradition. Passed down from generation to generation, they carry stories of faith, protection, and family.
At ONISI PARIS, we believe jewelry tells the story of where we come from — and what we believe in. Our curated selection of vintage Italian pendants celebrates these enduring symbols, from hand-carved coral cornicelli to delicate gold Mano Figa charms. Each piece is a small talisman of heritage, a wearable piece of history.
How to Wear Your Italian Lucky Charm
Whether layered with modern chains or worn alone as a statement of belief, Italian amulets adapt beautifully to every style.
- Pair a gold cornicello with minimalist chains for a subtle Mediterranean touch.
- Combine the Mano Figa and Mano Cornuto for a double layer of luck and energy.
- Or simply let a single pendant rest close to your heart — a quiet symbol of your connection to ancient wisdom.
Each piece you wear invites the spirit of protection, passion, and good fortune — values that Italian jewelry has celebrated for centuries.
Discover Symbolic Jewelry from Around the World
From Italy’s protective horns to North Africa’s Hand of Fatima (Hamsa), the Egyptian lucky beetle or Greek’s evil eye amulets, symbolic jewelry connects humanity through the shared language of belief and beauty.
At ONISI PARIS, our mission is to curate antique and vintage jewelry that tells these stories — pieces imbued with cultural meaning and artisanal heritage. Explore our Italian collection and bring a touch of la fortuna into your life.
