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Hands of various types are readily available and can make an interesting addition to a bone set. I prefer hands where the two sides are easily distinguishable, but whether you need two sides or not depends on how you plan to interpret them. I have two hands in my set – the ceramic hand for material things, and the bone hand for spiritual things. I interpret the hand palm up as receiving. If the back of the hand is up then it is giving. You could also use a small hand to represent working with one’s hands, crafting, or creating, wanting, needing, requesting, helping, or donating. The position of the hand could also be interpreted – perhaps it looks like it is pushing something away, reaching for something, or holding something – even holding something down or up.

Hamsa Hands carved from Bone.

Hamsa Hands carved from Bone.

Hamsa Hands carved from Bone.

Hamsa Hands carved from Bone.

You can get all types of hands online or in bead shops. Hamsa Hands, also called the Hand of Fatima, are used in many parts of the world as a symbol of protection, among other things. These stylized hands come in all sizes, colors and types of material. Smaller ones often meant to be worn as jewelry, or carried as good luck charms, are readily available and can be obtained quite inexpensively. If you want one with two different sides, check before you buy because many of them are the same on both sides. Ceramic and metal hands meant to be used as beads, charms, or pendants are also available, though they are not as common as Hamsa Hands. Likewise “Mano Cornutos,” and “Mano Ficos” can be used.

Arms are included in some of the commercially available starter sets, and if the hand on the end is suitable, they can be used just like hands. Paws can be used for this as well.

Various ceramic doll arms, a milagro arm, and a squirrel paw.

Various ceramic doll arms, a milagro arm, and a squirrel paw.

 

Metal hands, including a Mano Cornuto,

Metal hands, including a Mano Cornuto,

Of course you could use something else altogether to represent these same ideas – anything with two distinct sides will work for these meanings, but if you come across a small, attractive, reasonably priced hand, you might want to give it a try.

Happy Bone Reading!