In the ruins of ancient Carthage — modern Tunisia — archaeologists have recovered more than six thousand stone markers carved with a single recurring motif: an open right hand, fingers pointing skyward. Every one of them faces upward. That single detail is the oldest clue to the hamsa hand facing up or down meaning — and to why the direction still matters today. That detail matters if you’ve ever held a hamsa pendant and hesitated before putting it on. A hamsa hand facing up or down carries different symbolic weight depending on the direction. Fingers pointing skyward are traditionally read as a protective gesture — a shield against negativity and…