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Protection
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Hand of Fatima
Middle East / North Africa
The sacred open palm named for the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, a cornerstone of Islamic protective symbolism.
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Sub-Saharan Africa
Lucky Charms of Djibouti
2 charms from this country
Charm Traditions in Djibouti
Djibouti's Afar and Issa (Somali) peoples are overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim with a strong tradition of Islamic protective amulets. The evil eye is universally feared: blue beads, kohl on children, and Quranic verses are standard protection. Tasbih prayer beads are carried by virtually all adults. Marabout-produced leather amulet cases containing protective Quranic verses are worn by children and adults.
The Afar people's protective tradition also involves specific plant preparations and animal-derived protective items used by traditional healers. Coffee, which grows nearby in Ethiopia, is consumed in elaborate ceremonies that bless the household and its guests.
