Antique Foulet Khamsa Amulet from Morocco - Rita Okrent Collection (P498g)

A small foulet silver hamsa pendant from Morocco. Lovely repousse work and detail. Well sized for use as a focal pendant. Lots of patina.
Circa 1920's-1930's. Designs on both sides. Adorned with dark red glass (one side only).

Mixed silver content. Bail appears to have a little loss on right top but is functional.
2.7" tall / 7 cm (including bail), 2" /5.28 cm wide, weighs 16.9 grams.

Details: This type of khamsa involves attaching two silver plates to each other, back to back. The jewel resembles four petals in shape, and is reminiscent of the Islamic gardens – an integral part of royal architecture in their day – which were divided up into four equal sectors corresponding to the four corners of the universe. . Most of the known Foulet hamsa pendants were created between 1907-1927, and became popular among the women of Essaouira and Marrakesh, who wore them over their chests, unlike the women of Fez, who suspended them from their belts.
Reference: Bijoux du Maroc (1999), pp. 195-97; Jewish Life in Morocco, p. 131; In All Their Finery: Jewels from the Jewish World.

Pendant Item 498g