Amuletic pendant, pair of flat brass "hands of Fatima" on suspension ring, possibly European, 1801-1925
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:
- A78645
- Materials:
- brass
- Measurements:
-
overall: 1 mm x 63 mm x 31 mm, .002 kg
- type:
- pendant
- credit:
- Loan, Wellcome Trust
