Silver link necklace section with small silver hand pendants suspended, represents the "hand of Fatimah to avert the evil eye, Palestine, 1880-1930
The ‘Hand of Fatimah’ (Fatima) is an ancient symbol traditionally carried by many Muslims as protection against the ‘evil eye’, a widespread belief that some people can cause harm to others simply by looking at them in a certain way. This ‘look’ may be given deliberately, in an attempt to cause harm, or accidentally, perhaps because of feelings of envy .
Fatimah was the daughter of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The hand is a common symbol in Islamic jewellery, art and decoration. It is also said to give the wearer strength, protect their family and ensure fertility.
Details
- Category:
- Ethnography and Folk Medicine
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A167072
- Materials:
- silver
- Measurements:
-
overall: 7 mm x 235 mm x 36 mm, .04 kg
- type:
- necklace
- credit:
- Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)