Pendants

Though they are not related to the Christian symbol these Tuareg amulets are commonly referred to as Tuareg crosses. Among the relatively large variety of those, each of them ascribed to different Tuareg groups, this model is known as the Agades cross and it is among the most ancient designs from which most others have envolved.

Though they are not related to the Christian symbol these Tuareg amulets are commonly referred to as Tuareg crosses. Among the relatively large variety of those, each of them ascribed to different Tuareg groups, this model is known as the Agades cross and it is among the most ancient designs from which most others have envolved.

Though they are not related to the Christian symbol these Tuareg amulets are commonly referred to as Tuareg crosses. Among the relatively large variety of those, each of them ascribed to different Tuareg groups, this model is known as the Agades cross and it is among the most ancient designs from which most others have envolved.

Though they are not related to the Christian symbol these Tuareg amulets are commonly referred to as Tuareg crosses. Among the relatively large variety of those, each of them ascribed to different Tuareg groups, this model is known as the Agades cross and it is among the most ancient designs from which most others have envolved.

Though they are not related to the Christian symbol these Tuareg amulets are commonly referred to as Tuareg crosses. Among the relatively large variety of those, each of them ascribed to different Tuareg groups, this model is known as the Agades cross and it is among the most ancient designs from which most others have envolved.

Though they are not related to the Christian symbol these Tuareg amulets are commonly referred to as Tuareg crosses. Among the relatively large variety of those, each of them ascribed to different Tuareg groups, this model is known as the Agades cross and it is among the most ancient designs from which most others have evolved. This example is made of silver and lacks bail as it is usual in older examples.

Though they are not related to the Christian symbol these Tuareg amulets are commonly referred to as Tuareg crosses. Among the relatively large variety of those, each of them ascribed to different Tuareg groups, this model is known as the Agades cross and it is among the most ancient designs from which most others have envolved.

A nice old Berber talisman -hirz- pendant from the region of the Ida ou Semlal in Western Anti Atlas in Morocco. It features a copper box covered by a silver plaque with incised decoration and classic elements of Berber iconography reinforcing the protective effect of the amulet. It would contain some verses from the Holy Quran to protect its owner from evil. Most likely a part of a necklace together with like talisman. Other denominations: -herz-, -kitab-, -gris-gris, -boîte à Coran-. First half of the XXth century. 

An old Berber silver talisman known as the Southern Cross or -Boghdod- from the Moroccan pre-Sahara Desert. The granulation work suggests some Mauritanian influence. As a former Spanish ambassador to Morocco Jorge Dezcallar de Mazarredo explains in -Joyas Bereberes de la colección Jorge Dezcallar- the parents would present their children with a Southern Cross upon coming of legal age saying: -Son, I give you the four directions-. It is a powerful talisman for protection as it benefits from the power of  the number five ( four directions and the central element pointing above).

Simple yet great Tuareg silver and cornaline ring (tisek). It features a nice engraved side decoration. It is also ocassionally used as a hair ornament. Great patina. The Tuareg are a nomadic Berber (amazigh) group that lives in the Sahara Desert. Mid-XXth century.

It can be used like pendant.

A sophisticated engraved silver Tuareg pendant known as Agadez Cross or Sothern Cross from Niger. It is traditionally the man who would give it to his wive on the wedding day or to his son when reaching adulthood to guide them on the right path.

A very original large silver pendant from the nomadic group of the Peul or Fulani in Mali. Its design reminds somehow of certain gold pieces found among certain groups in Senegal. Fantastic goldsmith work!

Beautiful and rare vintage rhomboidal gilding bath silver pendant featuring the characteristic granulated and filigree work of the Mauritanian goldsmiths. Mid 20th century

A lovely Moroccan Berber old silver plaque with beatiful incise decoration. Pieces like these were sewn in rows on textile or leather pieces making beautiful headbands. They were often combined with some other elements such as coral, amzonite, silver coins, trade beads to a most flamboyant result.

Pair of old Berber chiseled silver pendants from the Aït Baha - Ida Ou Gnidif area in the Morrocan Anti Atlas. Beautiful decoration. This kind of ornament would usually hang from a fibula and would be filled with a piece of wool soaked in perfume or some other aromatic substance. This ornament can also be found in the area of the Draa Valley, Essaouira and among the Zaïane. First half of the XXth century.

A superb set of old Berber silver hair rings. They were used braided into the hair and filled with wool impregnated with perfume or with other aromatic substances. Sourced in the Draa Valley they were probably made in Tiznit and would have been originally enameled. Charming, lovely worn patina. Beginning of the 20th century

A very original silver pendant from the nomadic group of the Peul or Fulani in Mali. Its design reminds somehow of certain gold pieces found among certain groups in Senegal. Fantastic. The chain is included.

A beautiful set of seven Moroccan silver coin pendants from Mohammed V (1909-1961), king of Morocco. Please check the lovely decorated bales. 

A great old Kutchi silver pendant from Afghanistan. Its focal part is made of a lovely squared faceted piece of mirror with hanging chains ending in beautiful heart shaped dangles. A charming small turquoise cabochon adds the final touch. Great patina. Joyful and very wearable.  

A great Moroccan silver, enamel and coral pendant made in the Algerian Kabyle style. The workmanship is oustanding and reveals the works of a master silversmith. A piece to be enjoyed and noticed. 

An old Tuareg silver and copper amulet (tcherot) from Mali. It is ornated with nice engravings affording protection to the wearer. It would have also contain some verses from the Quran or other protective writings to ward off bad influences and evil. Superb patina. Other denominations: -gris-gris-, -kitab-, -gri-gri-. 

A charming old Berber silver perfume amulet featuring a nice silverwork. It would have been used by its wearer braided in her hair or hanging from her headgear or fibule chains and filled with scented wool or aromatic herbs. The little chain does not probably belong to the original set but was used at some point to attach the amulet to the woman's apparel. 

A great old silver triangle pendant from Afganistan. It features a notable silverwork, particularly the superb granulation in the fringe of the upper sides. It is further decorated with a nice central cabochon and a fringe of diamond-shaped pendants. Pieces like this one remind somehow of similar pieces found among turkmen tribes in Uzbekistan and Kirgystan. A lovely piece with a very nice patina.  

A beautiful old silver triangle pendant from Afganistan. It features a notable and detailed silver embossing work. It is further ornated with lovely turquoise and red glass paste cabochons. The long fringe of pendants decorated with coral beads at the bottom makes the whole piece very, very original. Pieces like this remind somehow of similar pieces found among turkmen tribes in Uzbekistan and Kirgystan. A great piece.  

A stunning old silver triangle pendant from Afganistan, possibly from the province of Nooristan. It features a most refined silver openwork that makes both sides equally attractive, The tiny and colorful turquoise and coral-like cabochons give it a very joyful look that is boosted by the long pendants and their little coral beads. This kind of pieces remind somehow of similar pieces found amoung turkmen tribes in Uzbekistan and Kirgystan. A superb piece.  

A superb silver antique pendant from Afghanistan. It features a superb silver granulation work on its edges and the turquoise and coral cabochons give it a rich air. The dangles give movement to the piece and makes it particularly festive and joyful. Pieces like this seem to share some resemblance to pendants and amulets -tumars- that can be found among peoples of turkmen origins in Afghanistan and in other neighbouring countries further north. A very attractive piece with a lovely silky patina.  

An old Berber silver and enamel talisman -hirz- pendant from the area of Tiznit-Tafraoute in  Western Anti Atlas in Southern Morocco. It features a glass central cabochon affording protection to the wearer. It would contain some verses from the Holy Quran to protect its owner from evil. Protection would also be afforded by the use of pointed shapes in the design. Most likely a part of a necklace or a headdress. Other names: -herz-, -kitab-, -gris-gris-, -boîte à Coran-. First half of the XXth century.

An old Berber silver and enamel talisman -hirz- pendant from the area of Tiznit-Tafraoute in  Western Anti Atlas in Southern Morocco. It features a glass central cabochon affording protection to the wearer. It would contain some verses from the Holy Quran to protect its owner from evil. Most likely a part of a necklace or a headdress. Other denominations: -herz-, -kitab-, -gris-gris, -boîte à Coran-. First half of the XXth century. 

Three old Berber silver ornaments sourced in Tafraoute in the Western Anti Atlas in Southern Morocco. They all show niello and enamel decoration in green and yellow. One of them also features a red glass cabochon in its centre so that its protection power to the wearer is reinforced. Smaller nielloed pendants hang from the main plaques. These pieces would have been probably used as ornaments sewn onto a headband (taounza). Circa about mid-XXth century.

An old Berber chiseled silver pendant from the Draa Valley in the Eastern Anti Atlas in Southern Morocco. beautiful decoration. A serie of small chains decorated with glass beads and Moroccan silveer coins hang from the bottom of the pendant. This kind of ornament would usually hang from a fibula and would be filled with a piece of wool soaked in perfume or some other aromatic substance. This ornament can also be found in the area of Essaouria and among the Zaïane. First half of the XXth century.

An old Berber silver and enamel egg bead (taguemout) sourced in Ida ou Semlal in the Western Anti Atlas in Southern Morocco. It is enamelled in green, yellow and red. Small pendants or coins would hang from it. It was probably part of a necklace or a focal point on a set of fibulae. This is a distinctive ornament of the region of Tiznit/Issafen. Among the Berber the egg is a symbol of fertility, as a life comes from it, as well as of eternity. Circa first half of the XXth century.

An old Berber silver and enamel talisman -hirz- pendant from the area of Tiznit-Tafraoute in  Western Anti Atlas in Southern Morocco. It features a glass central cabochon affording protection to the wearer. It would contain some verses from the Holy Quran to protect its owner from evil. Most likely a part of a necklace or a headdress. Other denominations: -herz-, -kitab-, -gris-gris, -boîte à Coran-. First half of the XXth century. 

A lovely old traditional Afghan Kuchi pendant. It is made of gilded silver and lively small glass cabochons. The decoration is particularly appealing and it is embellished with chained dangles. The Kuchi people, from the Persian -koch- meaning migration, are Afghan pashtoons nomads divided in a number of tribes that inhabit areas of Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Pakistan. Their jewellery is quite often very colourful using silver, glass and, in some fewer cases, enamel. Mid-XXth century or earlier.

A lovely old Berber silver and enamel talisman -hirz- pendant from the area of Tiznit-Tafraoute in  Western Anti Atlas in Southern Morocco. It features a glass central cabochon affording protection to the wearer. It would contain some verses from the Holy Quran to protect its owner from evil. Most likely a part of a necklace or a headdress. Other denominations: -herz-, -kitab-, -gris-gris, -boîte à Coran-. First half of the XXth century. 

An exquisite old Berber silver and enamel talisman -hirz- pendant from the area of Tiznit-Tafraoute in  Western Anti Atlas in Southern Morocco. It features a glass central cabochon affording protection to the wearer. The arrangement is further embellished with three dangles made out of three old Moroccan silver coins. It would contain some verses from the Holy Quran to protect its owner from evil. Most likely a part of a necklace or a headdress. Big size. Other denominations: -herz-, -kitab-, -gris-gris, -boîte à Coran-. First half of the XXth century.