Most jewellery items have great significance for a Tuareg. Above is the Tahoua cross. Crosses signify place.
Air Cross
Air Cross (pronounced Ay ir )
Many centuries ago the Arab and Berber tribes people began moving south into the Sahara to trade. With them they brought Islam into the Sahara. During this expansion of Islam into the desert a conflict was created with the Tuaregs. Because of this the Tuareg tribes people moved south from the Hoggar mountains of Algeria and resettled in the Air mountains of Niger.
This cross with the sword and spear at the centre, represents the conflict between the Tuaregs and Berber, and the Tuareg resistance of Western colonisation.
Many centuries ago the Arab and Berber tribes people began moving south into the Sahara to trade. With them they brought Islam into the Sahara. During this expansion of Islam into the desert a conflict was created with the Tuaregs. Because of this the Tuareg tribes people moved south from the Hoggar mountains of Algeria and resettled in the Air mountains of Niger.
This cross with the sword and spear at the centre, represents the conflict between the Tuaregs and Berber, and the Tuareg resistance of Western colonisation.
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1. The Agadez cross is given by a father to his son when he reaches around 15 years of age. This is the age a boy becomes a man and is free to travel anywhere he wishes. The four points of the cross represent the four corners of the world.
2.. The Shat Shat is given by a groom to his future bride as a promise of marriage. The triangular forms represent the tents of the Tuareg as a symbol of their future family together.
3. The Celebra necklace is worn for celebration at Tuareg feasts or any big occasion. The silver shapes represent all of the people who will come to the feast.
4. The Tcherot is a talisman containing koranic script worn for protection by both men and women.
5. The Agate necklaces, earrings and rings are more modern and can be worn anytime.
Tuareg jewellery is full of symbolism. All designs are attached to tradition
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This design symbolises the movement of the wind on the sand in the Sahara. A guide in the desert will follow the direction of the lines in the sand to avoid walking head on into the wind.
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Tracks of the Ants.
In time of severe drought and shortage of food, people would follow the trails of ants to find their nests where they would dig to find grains of millet that the ants had carried away.
A reminder of how tough times can be.
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Jackals tracks. A jackal is an enemy of the Tuareg because they attack and eat Goats.
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This symbol represents the “ Iguaïden” These are wooden Y shaped stands on which a mat is placed. Then clothes and foods can be stored here safely away from animals.
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This is the shape of a Gourd or Calabash. These were used for henna. The calabash would have the end cut off and would then be dried out. Once dry it would be filled with henna paste and the hand would be placed inside and sealed with fabric. It would be kept in place all day to colour the whole hand.
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The Chameleons eye for luck. If you travel away from the village and see a chameleon with it’s tail raised up straight you will have good luck on your journey. If the tail is coiled it is thought you will have bad luck so you should consider going home and trying again the next day.
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This signifies the inside of the tent and the fabric women use for clothes.
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This symbol represents a wooden bowl used for food - usually Acacia wood.
Before a Tuareg travels he would usually meet with the Marabou to discus which is the best day to travel.
Monday and Thursday are considered the best days for travel as these are the days the prophet Mohamed travelled so if you wanted to travel on these days you have no need to meet the Marabou.
All images belong to Mohamed Ahnou and should not be reproduced without permission.