Large Cross Pendant Necklace TUAREG SILVER Africa NIGER

Tuareg Silver Cross Pendant Necklace - Marinda

Description

Beautiful glass bead choker-length necklace supports a large Tuareg silver cross pendant etched by hand.  From a remote part of Niger, this cross pendant carries tremendous history and meaning.  This cross is a true work of art and there are many variations of cross patterns throughout Africa.

The different crosses come from different towns; and identify where people come from. They relate back to ancient times before Islam; when tribes were heavily influenced by Christianity. The cross may be the same symbol as in Christianity. It also has been known to symbolize the four corners of the world.

Originally, crosses were passed down from father to son. The father would say to the son: “My son, I give you the four corners of the world, because one can not know where one will die”. The cross is often given as a gift among African people, and they will say to the receiver “No matter where you go God and I shall always be with you and protect you”. Many Tuareg people in Africa believe that the arms of the cross will disperse all evil from the individual, thus keeping him out of harms way.

Color: Silver pendant on black beaded chain

Size: Pendant is 3" long x 2.5" wide; chain is 18" long

Handmade in Niger
 

Areas where significant numbers of Tuaregs live
 

Learn more about Tuareg Silver

Tuareg silver is the most luxurious jewelry worn in most West African countries. Many Tuareg people who can afford to wear it will save it for only the most special occasions.

Tuareg silver is believed to be ‘the pure metal blessed by the prophet.’ The Tuareg people of the Sahara wear jewelry made out of this silver as an indicator of wealth, position and origin.

The highly esteemed Tuareg silversmiths create a wide array of jewelry objects that all tie together using the traditional Berber markings that you will see on most of the Tuareg jewelry sold here. These etchings are clean cut, concise, geometrical and repeated over and over again through all of the Tuareg silver. In much of Islamic culture, realistic images are considered to be sacrilegious; hence the geometric patterns. The markings stand for ancient blessings of good fortune and symbols of protection for the wearer. This jewelry is so sophisticated and stylish, yet so full of African meaning. Tuareg silver itself is an alloy of silver and copper, which gives it a brilliant golden tone. This is not a sterling silver, and is sometimes made from silver dollars that have been melted.

Check out more handcrafted jewelry and African items from around the world in my eBay store. I combine shipping on multiple purchases!

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Globe Rover Trading LLC offers our customers unique, handmade items from around the world. Many of our products are indigenous cultural handicrafts. Each piece in our store is created lovingly by artisans who proudly carry on and perpetuate their artistic cultural traditions through their beautiful workmanship. As each item is handcrafted, it is one of a kind. Our inventory is always changing, so be sure to visit our store often. You're sure to find that perfect treasure for yourself or someone special.

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