Description

Old Tuareg hoops tizabaten earrings from Niger.
The adorned tips called ‘eraf wa n tesabit’ are protective amulets against the evil eye.
Matched pair of silver tizabaten or tsabit hoops with a rich patina of age and wear.

Diameter ear gage: 5 mm
Finials: 17 x 17 mm
Inner diameter: 47 mm
Weight: 94,9 g

References:
ART OF BEING TUAREG Ed. by Thomas K. Seligman and Kristyne Loughran (2006) p. 169.
Magische Ornamente Silberschmuck der Tuareg, Museum Rietberg Zürich (2003) p. 67

About the TUAREG
The Tuareg are a traditionally nomadic Berber people of the Sahara who live mainly in Mali, Niger, Algeria, and Libya.
Tuareg art forms, reflect their desert environment and deep cultural identify, with Islamic influences also evident.
The art and jewellery of the Tuareg, is not only aesthetic and functional, but also a reflection of everyday life.
Silversmiths produce intricate jewellery, not only in the form of crosses, pendants, rings, but also bracelets.
Perhaps one of their most recognisable symbols of Tuareg jewellery is the Agadez cross.
The Tuareg are highly superstitious and because of this, they wear a variety of jewellery, such as rings, amulets and talismans.
These may enclose Koranic verses, sand from the Sahara or even magic script in the form of a rolled scroll.
Jewellery serves as protection against evil forces and illness as well bad luck.
Decorated with geometric motifs, traditional symbols and Tifinagh script, Tuareg jewellery, amulets and adornment are foremost, very unique.