Hamsa Star #2

November 2006
Sterling silver

The Star of David and hamsa are two of the most common motifs in Jewish art. The hamsa is a classic symbol of protection Arabic culture as well, and the name of the hand-shaped amulet actually comes from the Arabic word for "five" (a reference to the five fingers).

The offset of the tiny hamsa in this star was inspired by an unusual Japanese mon (family crest) from the Heian period which features a suhama (circle-based) shape with a tiny hanabishi (flower diamond) shape offset to the right edge.