The Hamsa hand is an ancient Middle Eastern, palm-shaped amulet symbolizing protection, power, and blessing, widely used to ward off the "evil eye". The hamsa is regarded as the most important apotropaic sign in the Islamic world. Known also as the Hand of Fatima it represents the 5 pillars of Islam. As the Hand of Miriam, in Judaism, it represents femininity, strength, and fortune. The khamsa holds recognition as a bearer of good fortune among Christians in the Near East as well. Levantine Christians call it the hand of Mary (Arabic: Kef Miryam). Scholars generally trace the hamsa itself to North African Phoenician-Punic iconography of the goddess Tanit (4th-5th centuries BC), where the deity is frequently accompanied by an upright hand.
mmr-00599 > Hamsa, Brass, [s.d.]
This item is not currently exhibited but is located in the CVAR’s 3rd-floor store room.
