24/02
2008
2008
“An enormous number of fitas are distributed in the historic Pelourinho district of this city, where African slaves were once sold at auction. Countless more are sold at fairs and bazaars throughout the country. But the celebrated souvenir bears little resemblance to the original. Created in 1809, fitas had all but disappeared by the middle of the century. Now they’ve reemerged, albeit in a different guise. The original fita was known as “the measure of Bonfim”, a name it acquired because, at 47 centimeters, its size corresponded to the length of the right arm on a statue of Christ on the high-alter of Bahia’s most famous church (Senhor do Bonfim).”
Dall’articolo “Salvador Bonfim Wish Ribbons” di Craig Heimburger
