Description

A large old Tuareg ‘hand of Fatima’ amulet or ‘khomessa’ suspended from a twisted leather strand.
The power of the talisman derives from the word ‘Khomessa’, related to the Arabic ‘hamsa’ or ‘khamsa’ amulet representing the number ‘five’.
The Tuareg believe that the ‘hand of Fatima’ the khomissar is a powerful protective amulet against the ‘evil eye’.
The hand-cut pieces of shell forming a lozenge pattern, are set onto a layered leather backing with natural resin acting as glue.
These talismans are worn by both Tuareg and Bella people.
Authentic, tribal worn with a very rich usage patina, mid 20th century – Collected in Mali.

Width: 9,5 cm (3 1/2″)
Height: 8 cm (3 1/4″)
Thickness: 1,5 cm (5/8″)
Length of removable leather strand: 60 cm (24″)