Vintage silver khamsa pendant from Zagora, Morocco

An unusual silver khamsa with a brass moulded salamander from Essaouira, made circa 1980. The salamander is a protective symbol. The patterning on the khamsa is of the symbolic Essaouira rose with its eight petals. It has a hallmark showing that this khamsa is 800 silver (80% silver content). A stunning piece.

References:

Fisher, A. (1998). Africa adorned. New York: H. Abrams. P241

The name khamsa or hamsa is the word for 'five' in Arabic. It is the shape of a hand that serves as an amulet bringing 'good luck' or baraka (blessings) to the wearer and warding off all harm. In Islam, it is also known as 'The Hand of Fatima' with reference to the prophet’s daughter. In Christianity, it is also known as 'The Hand of Mary', referring to the mother of Jesus. In Judaism, it is known as 'The Hand of Miriam’, referring to the sister of Moses and Aaron. Khamsa can be very elaborate or very plain and often differ in style and shape from one region to another. They can sometimes be found in a very stylised form which does not even resemble the shape of a hand but bears the same symbolism, usually including some reference to the number five.