Collection: Clay Hamsas

I have chosen the Hamsa symbol in my art because I see it as a beautiful icon with a depth of meaning. I have the hamsa available in mosaic, ceramic and handmade paper all for sale. It makes a lovely gift for any occasion from a housewarming, wedding or anniversary to a birthday or any day.

 What Is the Hamsa? It’s a hand.

The Hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern amulet symbolizing the Hand of God. In all faiths it is a protective sign. It brings its owner happiness, luck, health, and good fortune.

To me the hand represents the ability to do things. Our hands can build, create, make and fix. Play music. Make art. Plant a garden. Build or fix something. Our hands can give, receive, hold or send love, healing and prayers.

Hamsa Names

The Hamsa also goes by the names Hamesh, khamsa, and chamsa. Many Jews call it the Hand of Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. In the Islamic faith, it is sometimes called The Hand of Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Mohammed.

 I love the Hamsa because it is a sacred symbol that is universally found in many cultures and religions everywhere.

 Hamsas for Peace in the Middle East

In recent years, activists for peace in the Middle East have adopted the hamsa hand symbol, which is believed to originate from an ancient Middle Eastern religion, predating most modern religions. Some Jews and Muslims wear the hamsa as a gesture for hope, peace, and prosperity in Israel and other areas of the Middle East. The hamsa hand highlights not only the similarities of Judaism and Islam, but also the similarities of the origins of the religions.

 Hamsa Symbolism

Eye The eye represents the all-seeing, all knowing. It also acts as a protection or shield from the curse of the ‘evil eye’.

Tree The Tree of Life is a universal symbol, sacred to many cultures. It can represent interconnectedness, personal growth, generations of ancestry and a universal life force.

Birds can mean transcendence, freedom and liberation.

Fish can represent extra protection and good luck, health and abundance.

Turtle can be a symbol of grounding, longevity and persistence.