In this hamsa, modeled on part of a synagogue lamp pendant, two birds flank a Star of David, in the center of which is the Hebrew letter heh – the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and an abbreviation of God’s name. The hamsa (meaning “five” in Arabic) is an amulet in the shape of an open hand, intended to ward off the evil eye and enhance good fortune.
The original item is from the Feuchtwenger collection, which was purchased and donated by Baruch and Ruth Rapaport, Geneva