Zemanek-Münster

Three amulets "khomeissa"

Tuareg
sold EUR 480
Provenance
Dietrich von Reininghaus (1918-1993), Munich, Germany

Description

  1. amulet “khomeissa” on a chain of multi-stranded black glass bead strings, silver(?) sheet, chased and engraved, leather, m: 13 cm x 12 cm; w: 110 g

  2. amulet “khomeissa” on a chain with disc-shaped links (coconut) and glass beads, shell, leather, m: 8 cm x 7 cm; w: 44 g

  3. amulet “khomeissa” on a chain of multi-stranded black glass bead strings, silver(?) sheet, chased and engraved, mirror glass, leather, m: 10.5 cm x 9.5 cm; w: 96 g

The “khomeissa” represents the stylized hand of Mohammed’s daughter, Fatima, and is worn to protect the wearer. When made of shell it is said to promote fertility and is handed down from mother to daughter.


Comparing literature

Borel, France, The Splendor of Ethnic Jewelry, New York 1994, p. 49

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