Painted fans for flamenco dance ref. 109

Description

Birch wood fan varnish in black color.
Assembled with fabric (pais) of black cotton.
Painted by hand red flowers.

Measures: 23 x 42 cm.

Fans language

The fan, more than an essential accessories, was an ideal communication instrument when women did not have a total expression freedom.
When 19th century puertorrican ladies went dancing, they were always accompanied by their mothers or another adult lady, called "the Chaperona", to watch her behavior. They were very zealous so, the young girls invented a way to communicate with the boys without being noticed by them. They used their fans in different ways to convey their messages.

Below appears a typical version of the Language:
- Placing the fan near the heart: You have won my love.
- A closed fan touching the right eye: When may I be allowed to see you?
- The number of sticks shown answered the question: At what hour?
- Threatening movements with a fan closed: Do not be so imprudent
-  Half-opened fan pressed to the lips: You may kiss me.
- Hands clasped together holding an open fan: Forgive me.
- Covering the left ear with an open fan: Do not betray our secret.
- Hiding the eyes behind an open fan: I love you.
- Shitting a fully opened fan slowly: I promise to marry you.
- Drawing the fan across the eyes: I am sorry.
- Touching the finger to the tip of the fan: I wish to speak with you.
- Opening and closing the fan several times: You are cruel
- Dropping the fan: We will be friends.
- Fanning slowly: I am married.
- Fanning quickly: I am engaged.
- Putting the fan handle to the lips: Kiss me.
-  Opening a fan wide: Wait for me.
-  Placing the fan behind the head: Do not forget me
-  Placing the fan behind the head with finger extended: Goodbye.
- Fan in right hand in front of face: Follow me.
- Fan in left hand in front of face: I am desirous of your acquaintance.
- Fan held over left ear: I wish to get rid of you.
- Drawing the fan across the forehead: You have changed.
- Twirling the fan in the left hand: We are being watched.
- Twirling the fan in the right hand: I love another.
- Carrying the open fan in the right hand: You are too willing.
- Carrying the open fan in the left hand: Come and talk to me.
- Drawing the fan through the hand: I hate you!
- Drawing the fan across the cheek: I love you!
- Presenting the fan shut: Do you love me?
- Letting the fan rest on the right cheek: Yes.
- Letting the fan rest on the left cheeck: No.