Featured Not old but does anyone know what these are please? x x

These are approx two inches each,look like pewter but could be anything xxx
No idea what they ARE,are they *for*something? x x






Thanks everyone! x xxx

 

They are Berber charms, from North Africa.
The one with the Hamsa hand inside the star of David is often described as Jewish Berber. Many North African silversmiths were/are Jewish, and many regard themselves as Berber as well.
The Hamsa, Hamesh, or hand of Fatima/Miryam is a protective charm, the fish stands for fertility, the key stands for love, to unlock the heart.

 

Amazing info ( as always!!) many many thanks, AJ <3 <3 <3 <3

My frends on FB have been trying to work it out,they will be thrilled that I (via your wonderful knowledge) can put them out of their misery!
Thank you so much x x

 

Wonder what they are made of?

 

I don't know, if it isn't silver or gold I always call it base metal.
Some kind of alloy, which still doesn't clarify anything really.

 

Some of the North African pieces have silver in them and some are what I'd call pot metal, i.e. whatever metals fell into the melting pot.

 

Most Berber jewellery is 833 silver, MTT silver from Maria Theresia Thalers.
But I don't think these charms have any silver in them. They made these of different metals, sometimes plated. I have a couple of these that were silverplated copper, but most of the silver has worn off.

 

So much the better, says the copper junkie.

 

Wanna buy some real copper Berber charms?

 

I just hope no one paid for silver and got plate.

 

I didn't, they were already worn, but I liked the complete set for the symbolism. Others might have, it happens all the time.