Lot 219
**Originally Listed At $150**
Northern Africa, Berber, Tuareg, ca. 20th century CE. A square Tuareg tcherot amulet, its raised central panel crafted of 78% silver framed within an iron copper alloy body, suspended from an elongated linked metal chain. The silver panel is adorned with finely incised geometric motifs, its central X-form bordered by delicate framing lines and subtle decorative flourishes. Such pendants traditionally contain Qur'anic verses, magic numbers, or other protective elements - sometimes even grains of sand - concealed within the hollow form to guard the wearer from harm. Tcherot amulets hold deep cultural and spiritual significance among the Tuareg, a Berber people of the Saharan and Sahelian regions of Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso. While their rectangular shape is sometimes thought to echo the form of the Quran, others believe it represents a star, an allusion to the constellations so vital to desert navigation. Size of pendant: 2" W x 2.1" H (5.1 cm x 5.3 cm); of chain: 18.5" L (47 cm)
The engraved patterns often incorporate stylized Tifinagh letters, the ancient script of the Tamasheq language, preserved and taught primarily by Tuareg women. Historically made by the inadane (smith) class - keepers of traditional craftsmanship and technology - these amulets were worn predominantly by men, often alongside the crescent-shaped taneghelt necklace, as both personal adornment and spiritual armor against malevolent forces. This piece is both a work of traditional Saharan jewelry and a vessel of cultural continuity, a testament to the artistry, symbolism, and resilience of Tuareg heritage.
Exhibited: May 17, 2024 - June 28, 2024 . "Reflections on Movement." Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Organized by 2023-2024 Hands on Curatorial program.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, received as a gift in 2020; ex-Patricia M. Newman
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#196449
- Condition: Clasp on chain is broken and is instead held together with a safety pin. Some bending to edges of amulet and rubbing to incised decoration rendering script illegible. Rich patina throughout.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |