The hamsa hand (Arabic) or hamesh hand (Hebrew) is an old and still popular apotropaic amulet for magical protection from the envious or evil eye. The words hamsa and hamesh mean "five" and refer to the digits on the hand. An alternative Islamic name for this charm is the Hand of Fatima, in reference to the daughter of Mohammed. An alternative Jewish name for it is the Hand of Miriam, in reference to the sister of Moses and Aaron.

The hamsa hand appears both in a two-thumbed, bilaterally symmetrical form, as shown, and in a more natural form in which there is only one thumb. There is good archaeological evidence to suggest that the downward-pointing protective hamesh / hamsa hand predates both Judaism and Islam and that it refers to an ancient Middle Eastern goddess whose hand (or vulva, in other images) wards off the evil eye.

The hamsa hand at the top of this page is a 2 inch long modern reproduction of an older piece, manufactured in pewter; the original was silver and of Arabic origin. For another example of an Arabic hamsa hand amulet, see Wills's Cigarette Card #17, The Crescent and Hand. For an early 20th century French hamsa hand, see the good luck postcard featuring a European charm bracelet.

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Posted: 11:08:28 AM  
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