Day 231 - Hamsa

8/19/2010

This plaque came from Jerusalem.

It is combines several Middle-Eastern symbols the "evil eye"

for protection against bad things and the "Hamsa" hand.

The hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

The hamsa is often incorporated in jewelry and wall hangings,

as a defense against the evil eye.

Day 171 - Mamoul Mold

6/20/2010

I bought this interesting cookie mold in the markets of Jerusalem. It is used to mold the Middle Eastern treat "Mamoul" which is a cookie usually made with semolina flour and stuffed with dates or walnut paste.