This necklace is made with a lost wax technique pendent, onyx and fine silver tubular beads with a hook and eye closure.
• Size: Pendant size approx. 1 1/8" at the widest X 2 1/4" high, necklace 18"long
• Materials: 99% Fine Silver, Onyx
• Closure: Clasp-Hook
• Colors: Silver, Black
• Artists: Elhadji Koumama and Family
• Origin: Niger, West Africa
• Variation: Handmade, Exact Patterns and Motifs May Vary Silghtly
• Packaging: Native Gift Box and Tuareg Story Card
Tuareg Crosses of Niger: La Croix du Niger
There are 21 Tuareg Crosses, each of which indicates a location, a Tuareg village or region. The word "Cross" is a term attributed by Europeans and is totally unrelated to the Tuareg Language or to a Christian cross. The Cross of Agadez is the most famous among the 21 emblems of the Tuareg.The pendant of this necklace is made with the lost wax technique, and represents Iferwane.
Koumama Tuareg Jewelry
Elhadji Koumama and his family of Niger have been making jewelry for more than 25 generations. They are famous for their high quality hand crafted jewelry - using 99.99% pure fine silver, ebony and semi precious stones. The traditionally nomadic Tuareg are indigenous to the Sahara desert. They are often called “the Blue People of the desert” due to the indigo dye they use on their garments that stains their skin. The Koumama family collective lives in both Agadez and Niamey, Niger. Over 50 silversmiths present their artistry. Each piece is hand hammered, beautifully engraved with the symbolism and motifs of countless generations. Proceeds support an entire community’s culture and craft. Over 200 people are supported by the sale of this jewelry.
Tuareg Tribe
Traditionally this semi-nomadic tribe, some call the Tuareg "Blue People" due to the indigo dye used to dye men's deep blue tagelmusts (Turbans). Most of the Tuareg live in the Saharan and Sahelian regions—southern Algeria, western Libya, eastern Mali, northern Niger, and northeastern Burkina Faso.
