TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:
    Tuareg Cross

    Worn by the nomadic Tuareg, descendants of the Berbers
    of Saharan Africa, this jewelry is fashioned from old coins
    than engraved with traditional African designs; a class or
    carnelian bead may also adorn the jewelry.

    The deign of their jewelry is bold, geometric,  and
    symmetrical.  The Tuareg Cross is silver and represents the
    four corners of the world (because one does not know
    where one will be when they die, and it is important to be
    wearing this cross when one dies.)

    The Tuareg prefer silver, because it is the metal of the
    Prophet.  They use their jewelry for trade in exchange for
    food and cloth, and rings pass between men and women as
    a sign of affection.

    Ethiopia has been a Christian nation since the 4th C. and
    the silver crosses take three major forms. Those with hollow
    round bases were mounted on staffs and carried during
    processionals or displayed on altars. Medium-size crosses
    with no bases were hand carried during services.  Small
    pendant neck crosses were worn by Christians originally
    because of a 15th C.

    For more than 1600 years, Christian Ethiopians have worn
    neck crosses. Most often, they are given at baptism. They
    are generally named after towns or providences where they
    were made.  The reverse side is also designed, but with a
    slightly different pattern.

    These small pendant neck crosses are individually cast in
    Ethiopia.


Ethnic Group:


Country of Origin:  
    Ethiopia


Material:   
    Silver


Dimensions:


Reference: