Tribal Silver Hamsa Necklace - Berber People, Tunisia

The hand is the most important symbol of protection in the Maghreb (N. Africa). Worn by women to protect against the evil eye and envy, it represents the 5 fundamental principles of Islam which are Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting & Pilgrimage. Called a Khamsa or Hamsa (as well as the hand of Fatima) the Arabic word for five. Those from Tunisia typically have the open work design. This type of chain is called Rihanna or Rihana with each link made by hand and soldered shut and then hammered into a flat shape.

Length: 16 1/4” Pendant Size: 3” x 1 ¾”

It weighs 1.88 ounces, or 53.2971 grams. NOTE: There is no clasp; however, it is long enough to fit over the head. Also, there are 2 links bound together by fiber.

Ex. Allen Davis Collection, Virginia.
Allen Davis - August 23, 1927 ~ February 17, 2025
Ambassador Allen Davis, led a life marked by service, diplomacy and a deep appreciation for nature and a passion for collecting African art. He found beauty and meaning in the cultures he encountered throughout his life.
To view more of the Allen Davis Collection entitiled ‘African Brilliance: A Diplomat’s Sixty Years of Collecting’ an exhibit at Palmer Museum of Art, Penn State 2020 go to; https://exhibitions.psu.edu/s/african-brilliance/page/allen-davis