Tuareg Silver Veil Weight Key OLD African Jewelry Mali 7+", Hinged Loop, Mixed Metals, Exquisite Detail ! Start Price USD 595.00 Current Price USD 595.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 24, 2008 End Time Thursday, July 31, 2008 Location Santa Fe, NM See more about 'Tuareg Silver Veil Weight Key OLD African Jewelry Mali' Description   Fine Tuareg Assrou n’ Swoul Veil Weight KeyAntique African Art Traditional Tribal Jewelry Mali Niger     An Exquisite Early Tuareg Assrou n’ Swoul Veil Weight w/ Hinged LoopAntique African Art - Traditional Tribal Jewelry - Mali to Niger Collected from the: Ullimeden Tuareg peoples of Mali and Niger, West AfricaMaterial: Early Tuareg silver, brass and copperPeriod: Very early 20th century, conservativelyDimensions: 7 3/16" height, 2" width, 1/4" thick at knobbed protrusions; weight is 1.4 ounces or 38 gramsCondition: Pristine. No damage or repair, exquisite signs of age, wear and extensive tribal use, working hinge Authentic early piece with obvious tribal use, not to be confused with the mass produced, bulky new pieces commonly found on the open market today. Will polish up nicely should you prefer though we highly recommend against such as the patina serves to define the intricate engravings. Held in private collection, the condition of this piece remains unchanged from the time of its original acquisition. Make special note of the exquisite, finely detailed engraved designs - simply stunning ! Wealthier women wear the assrou n’ swoul, an elaborate key-like pendant designed specifically as a counterweight. This is a highly valued piece, made of iron, copper, brass and ivore. The method of laminating used on these materials is known as the ‘sandwich technique’ and involves very time-consuming and delicate work for the Tuareg smiths.” Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this remarkable piece! And be sure to see the exciting AFRICAN TRIBAL JEWELRY in our eBay store! Or explore our beautiful AFRICAN BRONZES ! Click Images to Enlarge Tuareg Touareg Tribal HistoryDescendants of the ancient Berber race, the Tuareg remained fiercely independent through their refusal to integrate with other desert tribes and the retention of many of their pre-Islamic rituals and customs. Feared raiders of the desert, renowned for their caravan convoys of trade (and stolen) goods, the veiled Tuareg men saw robbery as an honorable occupation. Women of the Niger Tuareg group living in Mali dress uniformly in black or indigo gowns with a length of the same material worn over the head. The women?s head-cloths are held in place by counter-weights. These are often improvised from objects such as the large decorative keys of camel-bag locks or even a bunch of European keys. Even today Tuareg women go about unveiled, displaying their fair complexions and occasional blue eyes, and are free to chose and/or divorce their husbands ? all signs of freedom and status unheard of in the Muslim world. See Africa Adorned by Angela Fisher for a detailed account of this fascinating culture. Cat. # mvw3 ************************************************************************************ THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!! We strive to earn your ***** FIVE STAR ***** rating in all 4 categories!If you are not 5 star satisfied, please contact us immediately!Your Satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ! ************************************************************************************ Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs! Never a charge for handling! 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