Soapstone Lrg Hamsa Incense Holder - 7 Chakra

A large Hamsa incense holder carved from soapstone in India, 18 by 15cm, with the seven chakra symbols set in colour down the palm of the open hand. Soapstone is soft to carve and heavy to hold, so the hand has crisp detail and real weight, 730g, and stays put with a stick leaning in it; the stone's natural grey-green veining shows through under the carving. The Hamsa is the protective hand of Middle Eastern and North African tradition, and here it is combined with the Indian chakra system, which makes it the holder for a meditation space, a yoga studio or a therapy room, where it doubles as a chakra reference. The hand takes a standard stick in its hole and catches the full length of ash along the palm. It is the largest of the soapstone Hamsas and the one bought as a centrepiece. Each piece varies, being carved stone.

Soapstone, carved and painted. 18 x 15 x 1.2cm. Weighs 730g. From India.