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Islamic World · c. 700 – today

Maghreb & Tuareg silver

Meaning

The Amazigh (Berber) and Tuareg silver tradition includes Tuareg 'crosses' (the Agadez and 21 regional types), triangular tcherot boxes holding Qur'anic verses, enamelled Kabyle pendants, and Mauritanian khamsas, silver being pure and protective.

Intent

They protected from the evil eye and jinn and brought fertility and luck. Agadez crosses are traditionally passed from father to son with the words 'I give you the four corners of the world, because one cannot know where one will die.'

Significance

The Agadez cross has become an emblem of Tuareg identity and of Niger. Berber silver shows pre-Islamic, Islamic and Mediterranean symbols merging in the Sahara.

History

Tuareg and Berber silver jewellery was documented from the 19th century, though forms are older. Agadez crosses became widely known in the 20th century and are made today by Tuareg smiths (inadan) for local and tourist markets.

Making yours
Lost-wax cast or hammered silver, engraved with geometric designs. Tcherots are hollow triangles over leather.
Islamic World: the tradition

Islamic theology distinguishes forbidden amulets (tama'im, charms trusted in themselves) from permitted protection by God's word, so the characteristic Islamic amulet is textual: Qur'anic verses, especially the Throne Verse (2:255) and the last two suras, the Mu'awwidhatayn, along with the Ninety-Nine Names of God, magic squares (wafq) and the Seal of Solomon. Scholars such as al-Buni (d. 1225) wrote manuals of letter and number magic. The hand of Fatima and the blue eye bead came from pre-Islamic Mediterranean practice and remained hugely popular. Talismanic art reached a peak at the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal courts in shirts, armour, bowls and seals.

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Amulet of chased silver, Algeria (Kabyle), 19th centuryAmulet of chased silver, Algeria (Kabyle), 19th centuryAlgeria · 19th centuryUniversité Djibo Hamani de TahouaUniversité Djibo Hamani de TahouaNiger, tuareg, collana da uomo con amuleti, 1950 ca.Niger, tuareg, collana da uomo con amuleti, 1950 ca.Zilveren kruis, dient als talismanZilveren kruis, dient als talismanAlgeria, tuareg, amuleto pettorale da donna, xx secoloAlgeria, tuareg, amuleto pettorale da donna, xx secoloKhmissa Berber amuletKhmissa Berber amuletNiger o mali, tuareg, amuleto da uomo, 1950 caNiger o mali, tuareg, amuleto da uomo, 1950 caFibules kabyles et amuletteFibules kabyles et amuletteMarocco, berberi, collana da donna con amuleti pendenti, 1900-15 caMarocco, berberi, collana da donna con amuleti pendenti, 1900-15 ca3 regiment d e genie-croix d agades3 regiment d e genie-croix d agadesNiger, tuareg, collana da uomo con amuleto, 1950 ca.Niger, tuareg, collana da uomo con amuleto, 1950 ca.Agadiz CrossAgadiz CrossCroix touaregue mano dayakCroix touaregue mano dayakUne place de NiameyUne place de NiameyAlgeria, berberi kabyl, gruppo beni-yenni, amuleto da donna, in argento e smalto, ante 1950Algeria, berberi kabyl, gruppo beni-yenni, amuleto da donna, in argento e smalto, ante 1950

More from Islamic World: Khamsa / Hand of Fatima · Talismanic scrolls & sheets · Talismanic shirts & textiles · Talismanic seals & engraved stones
Every type in the gallery

Anything in the gallery can be made, by hand, in the prescribed metal or yours and, where the tradition names an hour, at that hour or with a plain note that it was not. Numbered. Price on commission, quoted first. I reply within one business day.