In chapter 13 of "The Bean Trees", what is the symbolism of the cameo brooch?

Perhaps there is a correlation between the brooch, something passed down within families and something that represents family history, and Cynthia's job. As a social worker, she must delve into people's lives and people's histories to figure out how best to help them. The brooch, if passed down from one generation to the next, would help family members remember their ancestors and perhaps even remember specific traditions and family beliefs.