Description

This is a very rare, old and fine Tuareg silver takafat or wrist bangle from Niger. 
Superbly shaped out of sheet silver, the surface is adorned by a finely hand etched traditional Tuareg pattern. 
Tuareg women wear bangles and rings so as to call attention to their wrists and fingers. Patterns are intended to be accentuated by the light that reflects off the metal, crisp geometric motifs are repeated as a series of lines, dots and zig-zags, all of these possessing a protective and symbolic character.
To put the bangle around the wrist, an almost seamless joint has to be parted so as to slip the bracelet onto the wrist (see photo).
This is a simple yet ingenious technique as no soldering tools were available when this piece was made.
As is typical of tribal pieces, there is no hallmark, however the silver content is very high and almost pure.
Excellent patina, tribal worn – Collected in Niger.

This bracelet will comfortably fit a small to medium sized woman’s wrist.

NOTE: Please see a similar piece in: ART OF BEING TUAREG, ed. by Thomas K. Seligman and Kristyne Loughran, pp. 204
as well as: MAGISCHE ORNAMENTE SILBERSCHMUCK DER TUAREG – Museum Rietberg Zürich, pp. 75

Inner diameter: 18,21 mm (7.17 inches)
Weight: 22,53 grams (.8 oz)