Hamsa Necklace

Handpainted Hamsa Necklace.

 

The Hamsa is an ancient symbol used as a protective amulet by Jews. It is often represented by a hand, since the name is derived from the Hebrew word meaning five.  It is sometimes called the hand of Miriam, after the Biblical heroine who was Moses's sister. Within the Hamsa there is often a depiction of a single eye, this is said to guard against the evil eye and jealousy of others. As a result many people choose to wear a Hamsa around their neck or hang a Hamsa over a doorpost or on walls.