crosses & amulets | earrings & rings
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SILVER DESERT CROSSES DISPERSE ALL DANGER TO THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE UNIVERSE WHILE EACH DESIGN REPRESENTS A TUAREG VILLAGE. Click on image. Egourou or elaborate desert cross in solid silver with 6mm onyx beads, silver faceted 'negenege' and 'azumum' tubes from InGall, N. Niger. $425/available |
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Tuareg Desert Cross with silver tube and black onyx beads
representing the oasis region, Madagua, N. Niger.
$145/available |
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Tuareg Desert Cross with silver tube and black onyx or red garnet beads from Tahoua, N.Niger.
$145/order |
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Tuareg Desert Cross with silver tube and black onyx beads representing
the oasis region, Barchekeia, N. Niger.
$145/available |
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Tcherot or talismanic box containing inscription with silver tube and
purple iridescent beads. N. Niger
$165/order |
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Talhakimt or blue tanfouk amulet, for luck and protection with silver
and cobalt blue beads. N. Niger
$85/order |
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Cowry shell amulet on etched silver diamond with black beaded roll necklace. Mali
$75/sold |
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Sandal of the Prophet, cowry shell amulet on etched silver desert sandal,
not shown but strung with 6mm black onyx beads, 4 antique 'azumums' and 4 solid silver polygonal beads. Mali
$165/sold |
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Silver, copper, brass, bead, leather and shell from the Sahara and the Sahel have always been characterized by protective symbolism in an attempt to safeguard one's life. The power of an evil force is opposed with a resisting good force in the form of a triangle, the eye of a cowry, a circle with a dot in it or a square with an X. Amulet boxes of silver and copper, and brass which reinforces the power of copper or carnelian to stop blood, heal wounds or avert injury, are inscribed and then inserted with a magical plant formula or a written verse from the Koran that is believed to protect one's self and family. The smithing of silver by fire is associated with the spirit world and is understood to imbue a piece with the power to be effective. |