Tuareg Wedding Necklace and Pendant

For the Tuareg people of central and northern Africa the use of jewelry for protection is a mix of animist traditions from W Africa and the Islamic customs of invading Arabs. The designs reflect the austerity of desert life and with the Tuaregs relative isolation, these designs have not been altered much over time. The motifs are repeated in jewelry, leatherwork and embroidery. They work exclusively in silver and other metals, gold is considered impure.

The 3.5 inches silver pendant is joined to a silver, glass and hematite beaded necklace. The tuareg look from central Niger is distinctive in its simplicity and rugged elegance.

Who are the Tuaregs