Obj. ID: 36000 Amulet, Essaouira (Mogador), 1919
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The following description was prepared by William Gross:
From earliest times, man has tried to protect himself from misfortune by the use of objects which he considered holy or otherwise (e.g., magically) potent. Amulets and talismans are items generally worn around the neck or wrist, carried in a pocket or purse or hung on a wall. They are meant to protect or aid those who carried or wore them. The Hebrew word for amulet, kame‘a, has the root meaning "to bind". Jewish amulets are usually comprised of texts (either letters or graphic symbols) that are inscribed on some sort of material; some may also contain plant matter or precious stones. The texts of amulets usually include holy names that are believed to have the ability to affect reality, along with incantations summoning angels or other magical powers. For the most part, an amulet has a specific purpose: to ease childbirth, facilitate recovery from illness, improve one’s livelihood, and so on, but in the modern world many are also made for general protection.
The use of the hamsa is ubiquitous in Morocco as a protection against the "Evil Eye". The form comes in a wide variety of shapes, styles and materials. One of the variations of the hamsa type amulet in Morocco is the so-called "Luha" style talisman. This amulet is such a type, with the "Mihrab"-shaped top with five points. This along with the five-element semi-circle below indicate the hamsa value of the talisman. The silver is engraved with scrolling motifs and a rising sun symbol at the bottom. The most prominent feature, however, is the central engraving of the salamander, a symbol which is usually a separate cast piece which is then riveted or soldered to the amulet. The lizard, because it can grow a new tail if the old one is cut off, is a symbol of renewal. Therefore this type of hamsa served as a birth amulet. The shape and decoration indicate the probable origin in Essaouira.