Khamsa (hamsa)

A khamsa (also hamsa) whilst being the Arabic word for "five”, is a pendant that takes the form of a stylised hand, worn as an amulet and believed to bring baraka (blessings) and to ward off harm.

In the Arabic language, khamsa is the word for "five”, hence the depiction of a hand with five fingers. It is one of the most widely worn protective symbols across North Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and is understood across religions: in Islam it is often called the Hand of Fatima, after the daughter of the Prophet; in Judaism, the Hand of Miriam, after the sister of Moses; in Christianity, the Hand of Mary. Regional forms vary widely. Some clearly resemble the form of the hand whilst others are so stylised the hand can barely be recognised, although the number five is almost always present in some form.

Our khamsa collection brings together vintage and antique pieces from across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia: silver niello work from Essaouira, enamelled Amazigh (Berber) khamsa from Tiznit, Tunisian silver pendants, and Tuareg khomissar variants from the Sahel.

Browse the currently available khamsa below. Each piece is unique - once it's gone, it’s gone.