Description

Old Tuareg ring with an agate stone and a finely detailed crown and sides.
Made of mixed metals with some silver content, the agate stone affords protection to its wearer.
This Tuareg ring is a very old example of a Hadji ring, a sign and symbol of the journey and pilgrimage to Mecca.
Pronounced usage patina with signs of wear and age.
Collected in Niger.

Inner diameter: 18,1 mm
Ring size: 8 US

About the TUAREG
The Tuareg are a traditionally nomadic Berber people of the Sahara Desert, living mainly in Mali, Niger, Algeria, and Libya. Their culture is deeply shaped by desert life, spirituality, and Islamic influences.

Tuareg art and jewelry are both functional and symbolic, reflecting everyday life, protection, and identity. Skilled Tuareg silversmiths create intricate silver jewelry, including crosses, pendants, rings, and bracelets. The Agadez Cross is one of the most recognizable symbols of Tuareg jewelry and cultural identity.

Jewelry plays an important protective role in Tuareg life. Amulets and talismans may contain Koranic verses, Sahara sand, or symbolic scripts, worn to guard against illness, bad luck, and evil forces. Designs often feature geometric motifs, traditional symbols, and Tifinagh script, making Tuareg adornment truly unique.

Unlike many African cultures, the Tuareg do not create masks or figurative sculptures. Instead, they produce beautifully crafted abstract and functional objects made from leather, wood, clay, and metal. These include leather tent panels, camel bags, teapots, sugar hammers, swords, and saddle ornaments—everyday items transformed into works of art.