Necklace with silver plate coral and amber beads

Necklace with silver plates with concentric circles, beads of amber and a hand of Fatima (khamsa). Except as ornaments, jewelry for Berbers is of economic importance for the whole family. Owning jewelry is seen as a savings opportunity because of its value. In good times, they are bought and saved to be sold or exchanged in bad times in order to earn a living and/or pay off debts.The symbol of the hand has been known in North Africa and the Middle East since ancient times (Suleman 2015: 173-174). With the advent of the three monotheistic religions in the area, it was incorporated as a symbol into Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The term 'hand of Fatima' is of European origin according to several authors (Doutté 1909, Herber 1927). In Morocco, the symbol of the hand is referred to by the word 'khamsa' or 'khomasiyya', which means 'five'. \The hand of Fatima is a common symbol in Morocco and has multiple meanings depending on the user. The main meaning is that of an evil sign (amulet): the hand offers protection against evil and in particular against a phenomenon known as the 'evil eye', or the destructive power emanating from the envious glances of other people. The belief in the evil eye is based on the principle that jealous people, whether consciously or not, can cause harm with their envy. Pregnant women, brides-to-be and small children are the most vulnerable to the evil eye. Also precious possessions such as cars, houses, cattle and pets need protection against the evil eye. The hand of Fatima as a defence against the evil eye goes back to the principle of the raised hand with which evil can be reflected. The symbol of the hand is found in jewelry and as an image on prints and stickers and painted on walls. \In addition, the number five can be given an Islamic meaning. The five fingers of Fatima's hand are seen as a symbol of the five pillars of Islam or of the five daily prayers. Since the mid-20th century, these meanings have come to play an increasingly important role.Necklace consisting of a row of strung round coral beads with central silver hand-shaped pendant (called khamsa); four round silver pendants consisting of round plates with engraved concentric circles between which are beads of amber (or beads in resin). The glass cabochon on the khamsa has disappeared.