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’.
It 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 who live mainly in Mali, Niger, Algeria, and Libya.
Renowned for their wide range of art forms, reflecting their desert environment and deep cultural identify, Islamic influences are also evident.
The art and jewellery of the Tuareg, is not only aesthetic and functional, but also reflect their everyday life.
Tuareg silversmiths produce intricate jewellery, not only in the form of crosses, pendants, rings, but also bracelets.
The Tuareg Agadez cross, is perhaps one of their most recognisable symbols of Tuareg jewellery.
The Tuareg are highly superstitious and as a result they wear a variety of jewellery, such as rings, amulets and talismans. These may enclose Koranic verses, sand from the Sahara or even magic script in the form of a rolled scroll.
Jewellery is worn as adornment, but foremost as protection against evil forces, illness and bad luck.
Decorated with geometric motifs, traditional symbols and Tifinagh script, Tuareg jewellery, amulets and adornment are foremost, very unique.