Barcelona, a photo a day

Abanicos



The natural extensions to a Spanish woman’s hand is this: an abanico. Although mostly a southern thing, Sevilla and Andalucia originally, it is used a lot here as well.
They can be as cheap as dirt (I saw some made in China!) or going in the hundreds of euros, if they are made of ebony or ivory, silk, gold, etc. I suppose they are more of a statement then than of real utility.

14 responses

  1. Saw many around as a kid, now they're gone. These are beautiful and asking to be photographed!

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    October 13, 2009 at 6:23 pm

  2. Silly Blogger wasn't letting me post comments again last night. I just wanted to say that we definitely got this habit from Spain. I still keep one in my everyday purse and up to my parents' generation, they were still called abanicos too. Now though, we use the Tagalog 'pamaypay' but that just means a generic 'fan.'

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    October 13, 2009 at 3:21 pm

  3. Love how colorful they are and the designs.

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    October 13, 2009 at 2:39 am

  4. I have 2 beautiful fans from my trip to Spain 10 years ago. I hope I can visit Bacelona one day.

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    October 12, 2009 at 6:26 pm

  5. Wonderful colors here.

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    October 12, 2009 at 12:21 pm

  6. Stunning photo. Even if some were made in China, this photo says 'Spain' to me!

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    October 12, 2009 at 10:24 am

  7. They are lovely.

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    October 12, 2009 at 9:11 am

  8. Che colori stupendi. Bellissima foto.
    Ciao. 🙂

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    October 12, 2009 at 8:38 am

  9. Remember Rob, accessorize, accessorize.
    Honestly, beautiful photo. Again, color, color everywhere.

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    October 12, 2009 at 6:15 am

  10. A wonderful collection of fans. My Mum had one with red roses and black lace. Photos often tell a story – I see the señoritas in their wide gowns, fans fluttering as they stroll the market place – their dueñas close by.

    Melbourne Daily Photo

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    October 11, 2009 at 6:51 pm

  11. They make a stunning image the way you've composed this. Color and shape are totally enchanting.

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    October 11, 2009 at 5:33 pm

  12. Rob, such color and detail. this looks like a painting. I am glad you are enjoying the photos of the slot canyon, plants, and Cliffs on my site. The cliff rose with its tiny fuzzy hairs is truly unique and so tiny most people would miss it. Thanks for your comments! I am learning a lot and trying to become a better photographer.

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    October 11, 2009 at 4:51 pm

  13. They are gorgeous and I love all the colors!

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    October 11, 2009 at 4:41 pm

  14. I love the fans and your picture!

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    October 11, 2009 at 4:03 pm