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• Handcrafted
Contemporary Sterling Silver “Hands of Fatima” or Hamsa
Pendants
• Handcrafted Antique Venetian Glass Deep Orange White Heart
Trade Beads (Circa late 1890s or early 1900s), Origin: Venice;
Collected: Africa
• Handcrafted Sterling Silver Rings from Hill Tribe of
Northern Thailand
• Brown Greek Leather Cord
• Length: 16” – 20” Adjustable
N0912-113: $275.00
(free S&H)
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to return to the Artifacts Collection Page.
HAND OF FATIMA OR
HAMSA: The Hand of Fatima is an ancient symbol and dates
back to the drawings of hands from the Stone Age Period.
It has been embraced by many different cultures and
religions and is still a popular symbol today, although
the design of the 5 fingers may vary according to the
different cultures and religions. Throughout the ages,
researchers have come to the conclusion that this symbol
represents divine protection, freedom and peaceful
co-existence with others and this particular symbol is not
exclusive to any one particular religion. This hand could
be interpreted as a hand of light, showing humankind the
way to brightness and peace. It can also be a hand which
directs human attention to inner spirituality. It is
referred to as Hand of Fatima by Islam, Hand of Miriam by
Jews, and Hand of Maria by Christians. This ancient motif
has been assimilated into amulets, jewelry, architecture,
art and popular culture internationally.
WHITE HEARTS GLASS TRADE BEADS: Beads such as these were heavily
traded to the peoples of Africa for their local crafts and supplies,
as well as for gold. However, these beads were perhaps the main type
of trade beads to Native Americans for fur pelts. The “white heart”
style was invented around 1480. They are a double layer bead which
was drawn from two canes of glass by hand. Initially, the beads were
primarily red glass using actual gold so the bead makers had to use
it sparingly. Because of the gold being used in the outer layer to
achieve the red color, they were forced to use a cheaper color to
create the core. Green was used (Green Hearts) as the core from 1480
until 1830 and in 1830, it was switched from green to either yellow
or white. Around 1860, the yellow was dropped from the core and only
white was being used, hence the name “White Hearts.” They were
handmade in Venice, circa early 1900s, and were collected in Africa.
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