It goes by many different names: the Hamsa (or Khomsa, or Khamsa) in reference to the number five, and the five fingers of the hand that it represents. Muslims also call it the Hand of Fatima, in reference to Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter. Jews, on the other hand, call it the Hand of Miriam, in reference to Moses’ sister and prophetess.
It’s everywhere, in decorations, on doors, and in jewellery of course. It’s the ultimate sign of good luck, the gesture you need to make to defend yourself against the evil eye… It’s presented “downwards” or “upwards”, indifferently… and it’s our symbol, because it’s undoubtedly one of the most worn, most recognisable and most emblematic pieces of jewellery in North Africa and around the Mediterranean.
It is very often blue, as blue is considered to be another lucky colour. This has nothing to do with the Marian blue of Catholics: just think of all the blue and white houses around the Mediterranean, from Chaouen to the Cyclades, via Sidi Bou Saïd!
The traditional form of the Hamsa
The traditional shape is the one you see on the left: a stylised, totally symmetrical hand. The palm is raised, the thumb open, and the little finger disappears in favour of a second thumb pointing in the opposite direction.
I think this gives it the shape of a flower, reminding me a bit of the palms you see in Ancient Egyptian decorations, or a stylised Lotus, but I’m not a specialist!
Another explanation I can think of is that the Hamsa actually represents two open hands, one on top of the other, with the little finger folded back (not a very comfortable position to be in!).
The oldest Hamsas generally seem to be pointing downwards, as a sign of peace, or of the blessings that would flow from this open hand…
The modern Hamsas
There are also many Hamsas with a much more ‘anatomical’ shape. In this case, the fingers are elongated and the hand is not open. On the contrary, I have even seen pendants where the Hamsa has the thumb folded inwards. For example, these two Turkish Hamsas show very pretty ‘hands’ with tapered fingers adorned with stones at the tips.
Decoration of the Hamsa
The shape of the hand can be decorated with geometric motifs. Often, in the middle of the palm, a protective symbol is added for good measure! It’s often an eye, made of hard stone or enamel, and usually blue; more rarely, it’s another protective symbol, such as the magen, which can be seen on this hand.
Like the Hamsa, the Magen is a common symbol around the Mediterranean. It is also called the “Seal of Solomon”, and has been used by Kabbalists, alchemists and Muslims as a protective symbol.
The Sultan of Morocco even had a Magen on his flag for a long time. So when you see a Hand of Fatma like this, it’s impossible to tell whether it’s Muslim or Jewish.
This one is undoubtedly the work of a modern artist. He’s put a lot of symbolism into it, and for all we know, he’s a Buddhist! (Yes, the Hamsa is also reminiscent of the hands of Buddhas…)
Of course, there are also truly Jewish hands. This one is undoubtedly a hand of Miriam, with its Hebrew characters. The hand of Miriam is now very popular in Israel!
The “Hands” jewels
A hand is generally a pendant. It is not worn as an earring, as it does not come in pairs.
There is a whole world of choice, from the small jewels in plated, copper or pewter that can be bought for a few dirhams in a souk, to the very fine creations of jewellers. Many women, when they can afford it, collect Hamsa, and match the colours of the stones to their caftans or veils.
Last time, I told you about the Fatima hand offered by Mauboussin in Morocco. It is adorned with a star, and has a very modern look. There are also some very pretty gold hands for women (men, if they want to wear one discreetly, will choose silver), like the one that illustrates the site, at the very top of the page.
This one is especially for the superstitious. It features the eye twice, once with the blue glass cabochon, which looks a bit like a petrifying laser beam eye, and a second time as a silver motif. And around the eye, stars… you can never have enough protection!
But finally, my favourite ‘hand’ is not, exceptionally, a piece of jewellery. It’s this superb henna drawing. The muted tones are particularly seductive, you can feel all the warmth of the Mediterranean… and I find the richness and finesse of the design fascinating! The henna has been left in relief, so once it’s dried it’s a fragile piece of work, but a great success!
Door knockers in the shape of a Hamsa are common. But this fragile design has no other purpose than to be beautiful. It replaces the eye with a flower, and the stiffness of the three fingers is softened by the floral curves… a very beautiful ‘tattoo’.
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