Hamsa
(hand of five)
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The Jewish Hamsa consists of the protective eye of God centered inside the
symmetrically stylized hand of five fingers. The number five also signifies
the five books of the Torah. Ceramic plaques of the Hamsa are often inscribed
with prayers of protection, such as the Tefilat HaDerech (Traveler’s
Prayer) or the Birkat HaBayit (Blessing for the Home). The symbol is sometimes
referred to as the Hand of Miriam, after the Biblical heroine who saved her
baby brother Moses from death by placing him in a basket and setting him adrift
on the river. Pharaoh’s daughter found him and he was spared from the
Pharaoh’s edict that all newborn Hebrew boys be killed. Made from glazed
red earthenware clay, the back of this limited edition piece displays the
artist's signature stamp and the LQP chop mark, 1 7/8" high.
