Framed Collection of Hamsahs


Item Number: 6109

Time Left: CLOSED

Value: $350

Online Close: Feb 15, 2012 10:00 PM PST

Bid History: 4 bids - Item Sold!

Description

The hamsahis a symbol used in amulets, charms and jewelry to protect against the "evil eye". An alternative Jewish name is the Hand of Miriam, in reference to Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. It is a kind of "protecting hand" or "hand of God.


Some associate the significance of the five fingers to the five books of the Torah for Jews, the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunnis, or the five People of the Cloak for Shi'ites. This symbolism may have evolved at a later stage, in view of the fact that archaeological evidence suggests the hamsa predates both religions. It is thought by some to have originated with the Phoenicians to honor Tanit who was a patron of Carthage.


In the Jewish custom, the hamsa is usually called the Hand of Miriam, but may also be called by other names such as the "Hand of God". Hamsas are popular as decorations and charms among Jews who do not consider them to have any Islamic connection other than the shared name, which is the same in both Arabic and Hebrew.


Among some Jews, particularly Kabbalists, fish are considered to be a symbol of good luck, so many hamsas are also decorated with fish images. Hamsas are incorporated in wall plaques, mobiles and keychains. Sometimes they are inscribed with Hebrew prayers

Donated by

Valley Beth Shalom Day School