Hamsa amulet, c. 1920, 2 13/16 x 1 9/16 x 3/16 in. (7.14 x 3.97 x 0.48 cm) (including pendants), Gold, diamonds, pearls, Morocco, 20th century, The Hamsa (five) hand is a common motif in Jewish iconography but is not necessarily Jewish in origin. In fact, the open hand, often with an embedded eye, as a protective talisman against the 'Evil Eye' dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. This example includes a bird with a gemstone eye. In Arab cultures the symbol is known as the 'Hand of Fatima,' a reference to the Prophet Muhammad's daughter. The Hamsa symbol has spread in popularity as a good luck symbol for many cultures.