Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Jewish khamsa, Morocco

Posted by Jose M. Pery on August 23, 2015 at 3:55pm

There is a like one in "Desert Jewels. North African Jewelry and photography from the Xavier Guerrand-Hermès Collection" (Cynthia Becker and Kristyne Loughran, Museum for African Art, NY).The inscription seems to be identical. The opening would be a verse from Jacob's blessing of his children in the book of Genesis: "Joseph is a fruitful bough by spring, its branches run over a wall". Then it follows with a fragment of the next verse: "They embittered him and became protagonist". According to "Desert Jewels" the reference to this verse "likens the wearer to Joseph, a biblical personality who overcame many obstacles before achieving success".

Comments

Chantal August 23, 2015 at 4:57pm

I love this. And still more the translation and explanations. Wonderful
Jose M. Pery August 24, 2015 at 11:42am

Thank you very much, Chantal!
Thelma August 25, 2015 at 7:10pm

This is interesting, Jose ... a protective amulet and an inspiring message. 'Keep on keeping on' would be a modern equivalent. How old do you think the hamsa is?
Jose M. Pery September 9, 2015 at 6:05pm

Hello, Thelma. I am sorry for not having answered you before but I have been out of Madrid the last couple of weeks. I do not really know how old this piece may be but my guess would be about the first half of the XXth century.
Thelma September 15, 2015 at 8:25pm

Thanks Jose. This little hamsa has great character.