Jewelry - Antique Guatemala "Shoe" Guardapelo

This is an antique "Guardapelo"  (save the hair) from Guatemala.  It opens like a locket. The tradition was that when a woman married, her Mother would give her one of these as a gift.  She would first put a lock of her husband's hair inside, then a lock of her children's hair inside as she had them.  These were worn on a chain under her Huipil, close to her heart, to protect those she loved.  .72 silver.

4 1/2" x 1 1/2"