Hand of Fatima (rock formation)

Hand of Fatima
Gami Tondo, Needles of Gami
Highest point
Coordinates15°14′48″N 1°48′11″W / 15.246677°N 1.802920°W / 15.246677; -1.802920
Geography
Hand of Fatima is located in Mali
Hand of Fatima
Hand of Fatima
Location of the Hand of Fatima in Mali
LocationMopti Region, Mali

The Hand of Fatima, also called Gami Tondo, and the Needles of Gami (French: La Main de Fatima or Aiguilles de Gami)[1] is a rock formation in the Mopti Region of Mali near Hombori consisting of a number of sandstone pillars. The formation was named for its appearance of similarity to a human hand, particularly that of Muhammed's daughter,[1] which is a protective symbol in Islamic tradition known as the Hamsa.[2] The formation's "fingers" are named Kaga Pamari, Kaga Tondo, Wangel, Debridu, and Suri Tondo.[3]

Rock Climbing

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The Hand of Fatima has drawn rock climbers to the area including the Italian climbing group, the Lecco Spiders, who made numerous ascents in December of 2006.[3] Among the challenges available to climbers on the Hand of Fatima is an approximately 1,500 foot overhanging cliff face.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Trillo, Richard; Hudgins, Jim (Jun 2, 2008). The Rough Guide to West Africa. London: Rough Guides.
  2. ^ González-Wippler, Migene (1991). The Complete Book of Amulets & Talismans. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications. p. 173. ISBN 978-0-87542-287-9.
  3. ^ a b Lambert, Erik (February 16, 2007). "NEW ROUTES ON THE HAND OF FATIMA". Alpinist. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  4. ^ Wilcox, John (director) (1998). Adventure Quest - Danger Diaries: Mali - The Hand of Fatima (Television production). American Adventure Productions. Archived from the original on 2023-01-07. Retrieved 2023-01-07.