Традиционный амулет "Хамса" ("Рука Фатимы"). Тунис, 19-20 вв.

Этот амулет также весьма популярен среди северо-африканских евреев (сефардов), которые чаще всего изготовляли высококачественные серебряные украшения (до середины 20-го века) для ювелирного рынка на Ближнем востоке. У Сефардов этот амулет называется "Хамеш" и также связан с защитой от сглаза.

 

 

Old Tunisian  Berber Silver amulet Khamsa (Hand of Fatima)

Tunis, Berber work, 19th century

Silver (about 80-90 %), casting

 

Size - 45/30 mm (1,8/1,2 ")

Weight is 9 g. (0,3 Oz)

 

The amulet is made in the form of a stylized image of a hand, hence the name Hamsa (five, the palm (arab.)) or Hamesha (jewish)

This is one of the oldest kinds of amulets in the Middle East.

In Islamic tradition this amulet sometimes called the "Hand of Fatima" and is associated with memory of the daughter of the Prophet Fatima. More often about it just say "Hamsa" ("five", Arab.). The esoteric meaning of the hand with five fingers is associated with the "five pillars of Islam" - the five obligatory for every Muslim action or obligation of five times of prayers throughout the day. Ordinary people gives this amulet protective powers from the evil eye and evil spirits. This is a very ancient tradition in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East to leave hand prints on the walls, and especially the abandoned buildings that there is no settled demonic entity.

 

Literature and Analogues:

 

1. Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia, and Pacific islands. - Amsterdam and Singapore: The Pepin Press, 2008. - p. 26.

2. Anne Leurquin. A World of Neckleaces. Africa, Asia, Oceania, America from Ghisels collection. / Anne Leurquin – Milano: Scira Editore S.p.A. 2003 – p. 46.

3. Sigrid van Roode. Desert Silver. Nomadic and traditional silver jewelery from the Middle East and North Africa / Sigrid van Roode – Amsterdam: KIT Publishers 2010 – p. 56