Hand pendant, about 1850
Unknown Arab, Berber, or Jewishexpand_more
Silver, enamel, glassexpand_more
The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fundexpand_more 91.141.17
On View in Gallery 254expand_more
The hand motif as a sign of protection, widespread in northern Africa even today, dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. In Arab cultures, it is popularly called the “Hand of Fatima,” after the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, while Jews in the Maghreb call it khamsa, from “five” in Arabic. The hand is believed to deflect the negative energy of the evil eye.
Details
- Title
- Hand pendant
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 91.141.17
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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