West Elm Playing with Desi culture

The West Elm Rug

Now West Elm is in on the Desi-ness in home furnishings. I had written about CB2 a while back. To refresh you memory, old CB2 Post.

The odd thing is that they call this rug a "hamsah hand rug". I had to find out what this meant since I was unfamiliar with the term.

A description from a company called the, "Holy Hand Mall" (I am not joking about the name):

Hamsa one of the most ancient amulets or symbols of many religions, the Hamsa of Judaic faith or Hand of Fatima from the Islamic belief is one of the original protective signs. In all religions, it is believed that the one, who wears it or hangs it in his house, will be protected from the Evil Eye and other negative thoughts. Amulets are intended to guard and protect a person, his family and all his effects - from the violence of nature and from sorcery and demons. Sometimes they are intended to heal the sick, to dispel infertility, to protect travelers on a journey, to bring good fortune and success, or to evoke good will and love. Kabbalah is a body of mystical Jewish teachings based on an interpretation of hidden meanings in the Hebrew Scriptures. Magic amulets are mentioned by Rabbis in the Mishna and Talmud written 2000 years ago. The user hoped for good fortune, success, wedding, children or health, in exchange for wearing this holy symbol or document.

This is a t-shirt design from the, "Holy Hand Mall"

The West Elm rug is inspired by traditional Henna Designs that are applied, mainly to women before a wedding. Most of you are aware of Henna Designs because of the kits that are sold are your local Urban Outfitters or that festival where a vendor is making a buck next to the face painting booth.

Now the question I have is what does this have to do with "Hamsa"? Yemenite Jewish folk do apply henna as well, but why does West Elm state that this a traditional Indian design? My guess is that it is another confused attempt to bring "exotic" culture to home furnishings.

Imagine a married Indian or Yemenite women reminiscing about their weddings with this fine, "larger-than-life proportions on pure hand-tufted wool". What a fantastic wedding present for that Indian or Yemenite wedding registry...common?!

It would have been "kosher" to do some research before launching a product that is supposed to be cultural.