The Hamsa hand is an ancient Middle Eastern symbol of an eye superimposed on a hand and represents the Hand of God. It acts as symbolic protection against the evil eye and helps to safeguard happiness and good fortune for the wearer.

Many ancient cultures and faiths believe that it is possible for evil people to place curses on others just by looking at them. This type of curse is called the evil eye.

The Hamsa hand idea began in the form of hand gestures meant to ward off the evil eye, but warding has since evolved into symbols like the Hamsa being incorporated into tattoos, amulets, protective jewelry and even household figurines.

As is the case with many protective tattoo totems – even as recent as early American Traditional sailor tattoos of the 1940s – by utilizing the symbol of bad luck, in this case the evil eye, it is thought that bad luck would recognize it’s symbol within and pass over the wearer untouched.

Read on for some superb examples of the Hamsa ancient symbol to take with you for your next tattoo adventure.

1. Color Hamsa Symbol Ideas

I love the versatility in these Hamsa design ideas. Whether incorporating a realistic eye, watercolor tattoo style of paint imagery, or single-color single needle work, these Hamsa tattoos show cool displays of technical application.

Combining the spiritual meaning of the Turkish Nazar evil eye in vivid blue ink within a black and gray Fatima tattoo is superb, as is the wicked neo traditional ink warding against bad luck uniting a combination of Western and Middle Eastern philosophies.

2. Linework Hamsa Hand Tattoo Design

A tattoo artist can apply some great linework applications without overdoing the Hamsa tattoo design. These offerings utilize cool geometric linework for internal line patterns or shape set ups, while others operate in keeping with the more traditional henna style principles of flowing tattoo paint which are popular in the Middle East and Subcontinent.