Difference between revisions of "Hamsa Collection"
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| − | '''The Hamsa''' has been used through history as symbolic protection from the effects of the " | + | '''The Hamsa''' has been used through history as symbolic protection from the effects of the "[[Evil Eye]]." Common uses are in amulets, charms and jewelry, but it is also found in wall hangings in homes as both sculptural reliefs and as two dimensional painted, or beaded, artwork (''see below''). |
| − | In Egypt, and throughout the Arab world, the motif is known as the ' | + | In Egypt, and throughout the Arab world, the motif is known as the '''Hand (or Eye) of Fatima''' referring to Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Muhammad. An alternative Jewish name is the '''Hand of Miriam,''' in reference to Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. In this sense these items serve the function as a "Hand of God", but only in the sense of protection. |
The symbol may have originated in Punic religion, where it was associated with ''Tanit''. In light of this fact, and archaeological evidence which suggests the Hamsa predates even the Jewish religion, the full significance of this ancient symbol may continue to be obscure. | The symbol may have originated in Punic religion, where it was associated with ''Tanit''. In light of this fact, and archaeological evidence which suggests the Hamsa predates even the Jewish religion, the full significance of this ancient symbol may continue to be obscure. | ||
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"The use for ornamental or symbolic purposes of the stylised flower usually called fleur de lis is common to all eras and all civilizations. It is found on Mesopotamian cylinders, Egyptian bas-reliefs, Mycenean potteries, Sassanid textiles, Gaulish coins, Mameluk coins, Indonesian clothes, Japanese emblems and Dogon totems. The many writers who have discussed the topic agree that it has little to do graphically with the lily, but disagree on whether it derives from the iris, the broom, the lotus or the furze, or whether it represents a trident, an arrowhead, a double axe, or even a dove or a pigeon. It is in our opinion a problem of little importance. The essential point is that it is a very stylised figure, probably a flower, that has been used as an ornament or an emblem by almost all civilizations of the old and new worlds." | "The use for ornamental or symbolic purposes of the stylised flower usually called fleur de lis is common to all eras and all civilizations. It is found on Mesopotamian cylinders, Egyptian bas-reliefs, Mycenean potteries, Sassanid textiles, Gaulish coins, Mameluk coins, Indonesian clothes, Japanese emblems and Dogon totems. The many writers who have discussed the topic agree that it has little to do graphically with the lily, but disagree on whether it derives from the iris, the broom, the lotus or the furze, or whether it represents a trident, an arrowhead, a double axe, or even a dove or a pigeon. It is in our opinion a problem of little importance. The essential point is that it is a very stylised figure, probably a flower, that has been used as an ornament or an emblem by almost all civilizations of the old and new worlds." | ||
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--Michel Pastoureau (2006) [http://www.heraldica.org/topics/fdl.htm''Traité d'Héraldique'', "Treatise on Heraldry", translated by François R. Velde]</blockquote> | --Michel Pastoureau (2006) [http://www.heraldica.org/topics/fdl.htm''Traité d'Héraldique'', "Treatise on Heraldry", translated by François R. Velde]</blockquote> | ||
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Corresponding significance has been observed among Christians in the Middle East, for example, among Coptic Egyptians. | Corresponding significance has been observed among Christians in the Middle East, for example, among Coptic Egyptians. | ||
| − | + | == Hamsas in Case __ == | |
| − | == Hamsas in Case | ||
*Jewelry | *Jewelry | ||
*Key Chain | *Key Chain | ||
*Brass Wall Hanging | *Brass Wall Hanging | ||
Latest revision as of 17:02, 7 April 2008
The Hamsa has been used through history as symbolic protection from the effects of the "Evil Eye." Common uses are in amulets, charms and jewelry, but it is also found in wall hangings in homes as both sculptural reliefs and as two dimensional painted, or beaded, artwork (see below).
In Egypt, and throughout the Arab world, the motif is known as the Hand (or Eye) of Fatima referring to Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Muhammad. An alternative Jewish name is the Hand of Miriam, in reference to Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. In this sense these items serve the function as a "Hand of God", but only in the sense of protection.
The symbol may have originated in Punic religion, where it was associated with Tanit. In light of this fact, and archaeological evidence which suggests the Hamsa predates even the Jewish religion, the full significance of this ancient symbol may continue to be obscure.
The Fleur-de-Lis shares similar attributes and an equally remote origin.
"The use for ornamental or symbolic purposes of the stylised flower usually called fleur de lis is common to all eras and all civilizations. It is found on Mesopotamian cylinders, Egyptian bas-reliefs, Mycenean potteries, Sassanid textiles, Gaulish coins, Mameluk coins, Indonesian clothes, Japanese emblems and Dogon totems. The many writers who have discussed the topic agree that it has little to do graphically with the lily, but disagree on whether it derives from the iris, the broom, the lotus or the furze, or whether it represents a trident, an arrowhead, a double axe, or even a dove or a pigeon. It is in our opinion a problem of little importance. The essential point is that it is a very stylised figure, probably a flower, that has been used as an ornament or an emblem by almost all civilizations of the old and new worlds."
--Michel Pastoureau (2006) Traité d'Héraldique, "Treatise on Heraldry", translated by François R. Velde
Hamsas are often painted on the fronts of homes in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. Nevertheless, many Arabs, Christian and Muslim, regard this as a superstition. A totemic, or "graven" Hamsa is thereby, tantamount to shirk, or idolatry. Hamsa plaques, often made of turquoise-colored ceramics, are very common in modern Egypt.
Arabic: خمسة, (Khamsa), literally "five". A parallel to the Five Pillars for Sunnis and the Five People of the Cloak for Shi'ites has been recorded.
Hebrew: חמסה, (Khamsa). An association with the five books of the Torah for Jews is perhaps one aspect of its popularity.
Corresponding significance has been observed among Christians in the Middle East, for example, among Coptic Egyptians.
Hamsas in Case __
- Jewelry
- Key Chain
- Brass Wall Hanging
