hamsa and the representation of hands in graffiti

Over the years I’ve photographed representations of hands in graffiti. I often associate the icon of a hand with the hamsa – the middle eastern symbol of protection, usually represented as an open palm with and expended middle finger, with the thumb and little finger sometimes curving outwards, Both Judaism and Islam uses this icon as a symbol of protection over the “evil eye” and the daubed handprint has quite a Biblical association for me. Hamsa is Arabic for the number five. Some people wear a hamsa as an amulet, as jewellery in a necklace or bracelet.

Here a few from my collection. The first two pictures were taken last week in Venice:

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This next one was taken in Ibiza:

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Here’s one from Tel Aviv

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A couple from London:

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And finally one from a New York pavement:

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