The Tuareg of Africa are the original Canaanites that are referred to in the Bible. The word Canaan translates into 'land of the purple people.' This unusual moniker is in reference to the bluish-purple vegetable dye the Tuareg use to color their clothing that subsequently rubs off onto their skin. The Tuareg today, as in the past, are a proud nomadic people who lead a colorful, adventurous yet very dangerous life. Their creative endeavors are first and foremost portable and generally practical. They include small silver metal workings and colorful leather objects that are all identified by clear cut, concise markings and geometrical designs; passed down from their Berber ancestors. These same patterned motifs are found on beautiful silver Tuareg crosses. The motifs translate into protective symbolism. "God is the center of the universe. We are one with God and no matter where you go God and I shall always be with you and protect you" are common interpretations of the intricate designs. The Tuareg believe that the arms of the silver cross will disperse all evil from the individual. Silver itself is perceived as ‘the pure metal blessed by the Prophet.’ Silver jewelry possession is important to the Tuareg of the Saharan. It is an indicator of family wealth, position and origin. Tuareg parents are known to give these exquisite crosses to their children when they are about to depart from home but they are worn by all as a form of good luck and protection. The design and name of each cross indicates the province in which it was created. Our crosses have been encased in a hand tooled leather display box complete with glass front. Hand embossed Tuareg symbols surround the beautiful case. The crosses all measure between 1 1/2 inches - 2 inch in length. The unique construction of each cross holds true to their respective province of origin. Please click photo for enlargement! See other photos below. Sold When OFFLINE click button to leave a message!
Dimensions: 12 1/2 inches across x 9 3/4 inches tall x 1 inch deep. Wt: 6 lbs. shipping |
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| Crosses: Agadez, Tahoua, Iferouane, Abalak, Madaoua, Air, Karaga, Timia, Crip-Crip, Barchakea, Tilya, Tchimoumenene, In-Gall, Takadeda, Tachmert, Tchin-Tabaraden, Inwagar and Bagazen. Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| Croses: Iferouane, Abalak, Madaoua, Air, Inabagret, Crip-Crip, Barchakea, Tilya, Tchimoumenene, Ilma, Tachmert, Tchin-Tabaraden, Inwagar, Bagazen and Zinder. Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| Crosses: Tahoua, Iferouane, Abalak, Madaoua, Air, Inabagret, Timia, Crip-Crip, Barchakea, Tilya, Tchimoumenene, Ilma, Takadeda, Tachmert, Tchin-Tabaraden, Inwagar, Bagazen and Zinder. Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| Please click photo for enlargement! |
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