Description

An absolutely outstanding old pair of Tuareg tsabit or tizabaten silver hoops.
Smaller tizabaten are worn by young girls, large hoops such as these are owned by an older woman. They will form part of a Tuareg woman’s movable wealth and are highly esteemed.
Impressive in size, of considerable weight and of exceptional workmanship make this pair of tizabaten rare and unique. The faceted knobs, known as “elkiss” display superb incised, stamped, and relief geometric patterns.
Starting at adolescence, the Tuareg girl will start the process of enlarging the holes in hers ears as she gradually wears larger and heavier Tizabaten. Along with her other jewelry, tizabaten will be part of her personal portable wealth and in harmony with the nomadic lifestyle.
The diameter of the ear posts is of approximately 8 mm and the square finials or elkiss measure 22 x 22 mm. The inner diameter of the hoops is of 4,5 cm (1 3/4″).
Due to the intrinsic value of this pair of tizabaten, the silversmith incised his name in Tifinagh at the center of one of the elkiss.
***A similar pair of tizabaten appears in “ART OF BEING TUAREG” Ed. by Thomas K. Seligman and Kristyne Loughran (2006) p. 206; also in, Magische Ornamente Silberschmuck der Tuareg, Museum Rietberg Zürich (2003) p. 67.
Excellent patina, early to mid 20th century – Collected in Niger.

Weight: 191,65 grams (6.76 oz)