The Tuareg are a matrilineal Berber tribe and the principal inhabitants of the Saharan interior of North Africa. Traditionally their life style was nomadic and involved movement across national borders.  They are sometimes referred to as The Blue People due to the gorgeous indigo robes they wear and the dye that rubs off on their skin.  These red and blue glass shapes are after Tuareg fashioned tahalkimt or tanfouk, complex protection amulets with various symbolic meanings including wisdom in all directions, male/female, fertility and balance. These particular Tuareg elements were probably made in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s in Bohemia and then traded into Africa.  I’ve combined them here with Chinese turquoise, antique vulcanite disks and open-work Ashanti brass. The piece is strung on leather. A clasp made from a French clay button allows an adjustable length.

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