The sign of the horns is a hand gesture with a variety of meanings and uses in various cultures. It is formed by extending the index and little fingers while holding the middle and ring fingers down with the thumb.
A demonstration of the sign of the horns
Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, showing the Karana Mudrā. The statue is located in Namchi, India.
Italian handsigns: la fica, and le corna used for protection against the evil eye
Vocalist Ronnie James Dio (on the right) making the sign at a Heaven & Hell concert in 2009. To his right is Geezer Butler. The gesture is quite common within heavy metal culture.
The evil eye is a supernatural belief in a curse brought about by a malevolent glare, usually inspired by envy. The belief in the evil eye among humans has existed since prehistory, and amulets to protect against it have been found dating to about 5,000 years ago. It is estimated that around 40% of the world's population believes in the evil eye.
A person from Cairo, reputed to possess the evil eye.
Eye beads are one of many popular amulets and talismans used to ward off the evil eye.
Kylix eye cup (530–520 BC), inscribed with Chalcidian text. It features an eye motif, likely to ward off the evil eye.
Tree with nazars in Cappadocia, Turkey
