Palm-shaped Amulet - Hamsa.
Israel or Near East, the 20th century.
Brass, cut and engraved.
Height: 21 cm. Maximum width: 13 cm.
Palm-shaped Amulet - Hamsa
ADDITIONAL INFO
A protective amulet in the shape of a palm (Hamsa), engraved with a leaf decoration. In the center is a Star of David with the word "שדי" (Shaddai - one of the names of the God of Israel) in its center. Five very small perforations, one used for hanging.
Hamsa is an Arabic word that means "five", but also "the five fingers of the hand". Depicting the open right hand, an image recognized and used as a sign of protection in many times throughout history, the Hamsa is believed by some, predominantly Jews, Christians and Muslims, to provide defense against the evil eye. It also represents blessings, power and strength. It has been theorized that its origins lie in Ancient Egypt or Carthage.
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