Copper “Chamsa,” Morocco. End of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century.
An interesting item originating in folk art. Such “hands” were usually made in a way that the fingers were pointed upward, from thin metal chains that sometimes hung a bowl of candle and were sometimes hung freely. In the distant past, the hand was hung on the front doors of the houses, and later on they entered the synagogue. After the entrance of the “hand” to the synagogue created mixed reactions among the worshipers, the new element of hanging the chain with the candle bowl was created to distract from the hand, and it was a prayer for the candle. “Hands” were decorated with vines, other vegetation and kabbalistic symbols such as the Hamsa before us. See more in B’Shvilei Omanut Yehudit by Jacob Pinkerfeld, Sifriat Poalim Publishers, page 114.
Delicate kabbalistic engravings on the front of the chamsa.
Size: 17×20 cm. Circular hook.
Aging marks, primarily on the back. Fine condition.