Teodoro Vidal Collection of Puerto Rican History

Explore Puerto Rico’s history, from the 16th to the 20th centuries, through the eyes of collector Teodoro Vidal. Vidal captured the island’s history by collecting thousands of objects. Over 80 artifacts are featured here.

The ancient symbol of a protective hand is common to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This figure, the Mano Poderosa or All-Powerful Hand, from the late 1800s, is a specifically Catholic version of its Roman predecessor.
Description
The ancient symbol of a protective hand is common to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This figure, the Mano Poderosa or All-Powerful Hand, from the late 1800s, is a specifically Catholic version of its Roman predecessor. The five small figures atop the fingers are: Baby Jesus on the thumb; St. Joseph on the index finger; the Virgin Mary on the middle finger; St. Joachim (Mary's father) on the fourth finger; and St. Anne (Mary's mother) on the pinkie.
Description (Spanish)
El antiguo símbolo de una mano protectora es común a cristianos, judíos y musulmanes. Esta figura de la Mano Poderosa, del fin del siglo XIX, es una versión específicamente católica de su predecesora romana. Las cinco figuras pequeñas en el extremo superior de los dedos son: el niño Jesús en el pulgar; San José en el índice; la Virgen María en el mayor; San Joaquín (padre de María) en el anular y Santa Ana (madre de María) en el meñique.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th century
maker
Caban Group
Caban Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0225
catalog number
1997.0097.0225
accession number
1997.0097

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