Vintage Berber Hand of Fatima/ Hamsa Sterling Silver Pendant with Abstract Motif

This sterling silver Hand of Fatima, or Hamsa Hand, pendant was acquired on a trip to Morocco. Circa the 1940’s or 1950’s, it is a hand-engraved piece made by the Berbers, a group of Indigenous people of North Africa. The thin hand-cut piece of sterling silver has a lovely patina that highlights the pendant’s ornate engravings. The pendant has a more abstracted outline of a hand, with a large left-facing thumb reminiscent of a flower petal. A beautiful leaflike detail points down the hand toward the middle finger, and a scrolling foliate decorates all five fingers. 

Imagery of an open hand dates back to Mesopotamia, and has been used as an important symbol is Jewish, Islamic, and Christian religions throughout history, representing the hand of God. The five fingers of the hand are significant, as five is a sacred number in several religions, symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam, the five books of the Torah, the Five People of the Cloak for the Shi’ites, and the Jewish tradition of using the five senses to praise God. Today it remains a popular motif in the Middle East and North Africa, and is considered a good luck charm and a sign of peace. The Hamsa Prayer reads: “Let no sadness come to this heart. Let no trouble come to these arms. Let no conflict come to these eyes. Let my soul be filled with the blessing of joy and peace.” 

The pendant measures 1 3/4” x 2” (including the bail) and weighs 8.3 grams. Unmarked; acid tests as sterling silver. 

It is pictured here on the Vintage Sterling Silver 24” Open Link Chain by Brother Wolf, also available in our shop.