WELCOME !

When I was in the south of France this summer I became fascinated by the cast-bronze doorknockers in the shape of hands.  The first hand I came across was in Maussanes, altho' it was mounted next to the door and was stationary.  Perhaps a symbol of welcoming?

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When we arrived in Arles and strolled through the Centre Ville, I began to notice them frequently.  I don't know if the hands are unique to this area in France, or if they were just so abundant they became more obvious to me. 

                           They all bore an age-old patina.

          No mass production here.  Each hand was one-of-a-kind.

          Each cuff was unique and several of the hands wore rings.

I may need to log onto French eBay and see if any bronze hands are available in antiquities.