Chilean Personal Charm: "Chanchito"
Collection: Everyday Connections
Object Category: Charms and Talismans
Object Type: Charms
Country: Chile
Continent: South America
Geographic Region: Southern America
Materials: Clay
width: 3 in;
height: 3 in;
depth: 4.5 in
The three-legged pig, or chanchito, is a good luck charm in Chile; the pig, despite its handicap, is able to stand and persevere.
The tradition began in Pomaire, a small town near the capital city of Santiago. Crafters use the natural clay that is found in the surrounding countryside to make the chanchitos. These charms are given to friends and loved ones as a token of good fortune.
Source:
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/mosaic/national-pig-day-three-legged-chilean-chanchito/#.VQNxCuHwZKo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomaire