The hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet found across Middle Eastern and North African cultures, used in Jewish, Muslim and other traditions to ward off the evil eye and bring protection, luck and blessings. The central eye reinforces this protective function, symbolising vigilance against harm. The lotus flowers at the fingertips add a separate layer of meaning, often read as purity or spiritual awakening in Buddhist and Hindu iconography, so this piece blends more than one tradition rather than sticking to a single origin.

Where it sits

This is a tall, symmetrical vertical design that suits the back, chest, forearm or thigh where its full height can be shown in one piece. The dangling drops at the base work well running toward the elbow or knee so the piece has a natural downward flow. Shrinking it for a wrist or ankle placement would blur the mandala patterning inside the palm and the fine dotwork around the eye.

Making it yours

Ask an artist for any of these.

  • Drop the lotus flowers and keep just the hand and eye
  • Add colour to the lotus petals or the dangling teardrops
  • Reduce the pattern density on the fingers for an aged-well version
  • Replace the dangling chains with a simpler beaded fringe
  • Pair with a small mandala or moon motif near the wrist
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