The 21 Tuareg Crosses of Niger

by Marie Flaherty

Agadez is a market town in Niger, sub-sahara Africa. The Cross of Agadez is named after this village and is the most famous among the 21 symbols of the Tuareg. It is the archetype and the first of all the Tuareg Crosses. Some traditions say that it is give by the father to his sons whenthey are traveling or leaving home. They are worn for good luck and protection. There are many theories of where and when the Agadez cross began, as well as its meaning. Chapter 9 in "The Art of Being Tuareg, Sahara Nomads in a World" While the cross of Agadez is the archetype of all theTuareg crosses, the crosses of Iferwane, Ingal, Tahoua and Zinder are also considered authentic and original. All of the other crosses are derived and modified from these five.

Agadez is a market town in Niger, sub-sahara Africa.The Cross of Agadez is named after this village and is the most famous among the 21symbols of the Tuareg. It is the archetype and the first of all the Tuareg Crosses. Some traditions say that it is give by the father to his sonswhen they are traveling or leaving home. They are worn for good luck and protection. There are many theories of where and when the Agadezcross began, as well as it's meaning. Chapter 9 in "The Art of Being Tuareg, Sahara Nomads in a World" While the cross of Agadez is thearchetype of all theTuareg crosses, the crosses of Iferwane, Ingal, Tahoua and Zinder are also considered authentic and original. All of the other crosses are derived and modified from these five.

See Native's Tuareg Jewelry