Talismanic Devices and Imbuements on Islamic Arms

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

KOUMIYYA with hand in silver(Hand of Fatima) decorating and protecting the weapon from evil; Moroccan superstition is bang up to date in the 21st century with such myths and legends and tradition is alive with ancient beliefs.

This is a great representation of the use of the hand in Islamic talisman context. While this theme seems to be present broadly through the Dar al-Islam, it does seem to be represented in other manner geometically as in the shape of a triangle. In Central Asia this become a device known as the "Afghan Amulet' (if I recall there is a book by that title) which was used in similar context.
In the Sahara, the Kabyles used the triangular shape in a linear fashion on their familiar 'flyssa' swords and these along with other devices were intended in apotropaic fashion in the 'folk' religions nominally aligned with Islamic Faith.

These traditions extend through the Maghreb which of course include Morocco, and much of the Berber sphere.