Historical talisman traditions
Hand of Fatima
The Pavitts describe a hand with spread thumb and fingers used as a protective charm. They note that the material and workmanship vary with the wearer’s means. Their account associates its fingers with Muhammad, Fatima, Ali, Hasan, and Husayn, alongside generosity, hospitality, and providence. This is a reported interpretation of the emblem, not a claim that every Muslim uses or accepts such charms.
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In the sources
Principal account
ReportedThe Pavitts describe a hand with spread thumb and fingers used as a protective charm. They note that the material and workmanship vary with the wearer’s means.
Further detail
ReportedTheir account associates its fingers with Muhammad, Fatima, Ali, Hasan, and Husayn, alongside generosity, hospitality, and providence. This is a reported interpretation of the emblem, not a claim that every Muslim uses or accepts such charms.
Context & interpretation
The Pavitts’ 1922 compilation gathers symbols and attributed powers from several traditions, sometimes with conjectural origins. Its statements about protection, health, and fortune document talismanic belief rather than demonstrated effects or medical guidance.
Original passages
Source 1
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
and fingers outstretched, known as the Hand of the LadyFatima (see Illustration No. in, Plate VIII), is still regarded as a powerful charm amongstOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 140
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0140
- Original scan leaf
- 141
- Recorded leaf number
- 141
- Current Reader position
- 133
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
regarded as a sacred symbol representing Generosity, Hospitality, Power, and Divine Providence ; as a whole it represents the Holy Family, the prophetOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 140
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0140
- Original scan leaf
- 141
- Recorded leaf number
- 141
- Current Reader position
- 133
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Continue exploring
Talismans & Protective Charms ↗
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A cock-headed, serpent-legged figure interpreted through divine emanations.
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A Roman amulet container worn as a sign and safeguard.
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A protective eye emblem whose divine associations vary within the compilation.
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A household and occupational charm whose position is explained through retained luck.