The hamsa (Arabic: خمسة khamsah; Hebrew: חַמְסָה, also romanised khamsa; Berber languages: tafust) is a palm-shaped amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa and commonly used in jewellery and wall hangings.
Depicting the open right hand, an image recognised and used as a sign of protection in many times throughout history, the hamsa is believed by some, predominantly Muslims, Jews and Catholics, to provide defence against the evil eye. It has been theorised that its origins lie in Ancient Egypt or Carthage (modern-day Tunisia) and may have been associated with the Goddess Tanit.
Khamsah is an Arabic word that means "five", but also "the five fingers of the hand". The Hamsa is also variously known as the Hand of Fatima after the daughter of the prophet Muhammad, the Hand of Mary, the Hand of Miriam, and the Hand of the Goddess.
This post is part of the My Sunday Best meme,
and also part of the My Sunday Photo meme,
I love the use of colour and pattern design on these
ReplyDeleteMy daughter in law has a hamsa in all the rooms of her house, to defend against the evil eye as you said. But I do not. She is from a Sephardi family and I am from an Ashkenazi family.
ReplyDeleteLovely image with deep cultural significance. It is good for us to understand and appreciate other's culture.
ReplyDeleteWhat great colours, I've never heard of this before.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up to #MySundayPhoto
Beautiful artwork. I never thought to look up the name. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love how bright and vibrant the coloured hands are #MySundayPhoto
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