Palm-shaped Amulet - Hamsa
North Africa, the 20th century
Brass and Silver, cut, punched and engraved
Maximum Length: 8 cm Maximum width: 5.3 cm
Palm-shaped Amulet - Hamsa
ADDITIONAL INFO
A protective amulet in the shape of a palm (Hamsa), engraved with geometric and vegetal motifs. A gemstone is set in its center.
Hamsa is an Arabic word that means "five", but also "the five fingers of the hand" - the hand which is related to the might of the Divinity. 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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