Description

Old Tuareg silver hamsa amulet, ‘hand of Fatima‘, backed on leather.
The power of the amulet derives from the word ‘khomeissa. The word relates to the Arabic word ‘hamsa’ or ‘khamsa’ and represents the number ‘five’.
The ‘hand of Fatima’ is a powerful protective amulet against the ‘evil eye’ and both Tuareg as well as Bella ethnic groups wear this type of amulet.
Authentic, with a rich usage patina.
Collected in Niger.

Width: 4,2 cm
Height: 3 cm
Thickness: 1 cm

About the TUAREG
The Tuareg are a traditionally nomadic Berber people of the Sahara, living mainly in Mali, Niger, Algeria, and Libya. Their culture reflects desert life, spirituality, and Islamic influence.

Tuareg artisans craft functional yet symbolic silver jewellery, including crosses, pendants, rings, and bracelets. Most notably, the Agadez Cross stands as a powerful symbol of identity and protection. In addition, amulets and talismans—often containing Koranic verses, Sahara sand, or symbolic scripts—serve as protection against illness, bad luck, and evil forces.

Unlike many African cultures, the Tuareg do not create figurative sculpture. Instead, they produce abstract, utilitarian objects in leather, wood, clay, and metal, transforming everyday items into distinctive works of art.