The earliest known appearance of the Hamsa was in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq area). Here it could be seen in the amulets worn by certain female goddesses. From there, it’s theorized it spread to Egypt as a two-finger amulet representing Osiris and Isis. It then began spreading to different religions in several different forms- including Buddhism and Hinduism.
Depending on who you ask, the Hamsa may mean different things. But its symbology means very different things to Hindus and Buddhists. For Hindus and Buddhists, it symbolizes the interplay of the chakras, the energy flow in the body, the five senses, and the mudras that effect them.
These energies can be combined to change the flow of energy in the body and heal psychological and physical ailments. In Buddhism, it symbolizes the chakras to a less extent, but the mudras are still important nonetheless. Often times, the Hamsa is used to ward off what’s known as “the evil eye”. The evil eye is considered to be the sum of destructive energies that come from negative emotions in the world. This is why it’s often used on walls or jewelry!
Buddhism 101 