Martacarmela Sotelo (México DF) Touch wood / “Tocar Madera”

	Function	For residents of Mexico to help them deal with the fear felt by the country’s violent environment.
	Activation	This amulet can be used either as a neckpiece with the red string, or a pocket piece attached to ones trousers (almost as a pocket watch) with the silver chain (more resistant). The pieces are activated in the moment when one decides to use it and the two wood parts are put together.  A CLICK sound is heard when magnets and wood are touched and remain that way.  It is very important that one formulates a wishful thinking such as: “I hope I will not get stuck in traffic so I can arrive early at home”
	Materials	Mahogany chair, silver 925, magnets, red string or blackened silver chain

“Tocar Madera” means literally to touch wood, which is a popular expression and practice in Mexico. One “Toca Madera” with one’s hand, when wishing that something bad would not get to happen or the other way around. Example: When some one tells you about a friend that is having a very hard time, one immediately touches wood so it does not happen to oneself.

This belief or superstition can be found along different civilizations through history, such as Greeks, Celtics and Romans. During the Christian Crusades, knight should make the sign of the cross before fighting. It was just at that moment when they would lift their arms that the enemy would take advantage of throwing an arrow into the knight’s armpit, which was the most vulnerable part of a knight’s armour.  Later on the Pope dismissed them from making the sign of the cross but asked them to touch wood on the saddle of their horse.

[photofade]