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The origin of khamsa in North Africa?

Posted by Alaa eddine SAGID on October 11, 2014 at 1:26pm

This is an antique phoenician votive stele auctionned in Paris picturing Tanit goddess along a hand. A possible missing link between the once mighty goddess and the ubiquituous hand pendants so common in North Africa. The word "khamsa" would then be the last spiritual varnish on a multisecular talisman to embed it into islamic beliefs....An important find for those with interest to khamsas.

Comments

Toya October 11, 2014 at 4:06pm

An interesting question indeed. Thanks for sharing this.
Betty October 11, 2014 at 9:33pm

What a fascinating topic, Aala!
I just found the website of an amateur archeologist showing pictures a few more steles with both the Tanit and protective hand symbol:
http://www.lebtahor.com/Archaeology/inscriptions/khirbet%20el%20qom...
Maybe you find this interesting...
Thelma October 12, 2014 at 8:18am

For me, this is one of the most interesting discoveries. Thanks very much Alaa and also Betty for following it up. It's clear how each religion has seized upon and incorporated the idea of the hand ...hand of Fatima... in its own story. The open hand and blessing..... It may also be related to waving!
Alaa eddine SAGID October 12, 2014 at 8:31am

Brilliant link Betty, many thanx.....i shall add the translation of the text carved on the stele later
Edith D October 12, 2014 at 3:31pm

One may find numerous examples of pre-Islamic hand symbosl in Tunisia. A similar symbol was used by the ancient Romans, although in that example with not all fingers extended. This is the hand Sabazius, an ancient Roman cult...

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Alaa eddine SAGID October 13, 2014 at 9:55pm

here is the translation of the engraving

"To Dame TANIT, face of BAAL, and to lord BAAL. A vow made by BOD-MELEK son of BOD-MELQART"
Veronica Varello November 5, 2014 at 3:39pm

I have been successful with toothpaste (water) and a toothbrush, which I follow-up with liquid hand soap and water which seems to wash away any tarnish that I have loosened with the toothpaste. I use this method for my high silver as well. It's quick and does not leave paste residue. In India they use powdered toothpaste, no water for a quick shine.
Veronica Varello November 5, 2014 at 3:42pm

Gilded metal is another story…I have not been successful cleaning gilded metal without losing the gilding.
Veronica Varello November 5, 2014 at 3:44pm

Sorry, this post was in response to "Cleaning Ottoman Silver".