Material: Engraved tribal silver, brass and a leather cord
People: Tuareg
Country: Niger
Description: This "tcherot," or amulet was worn to ward off evil and to bring good fortune to its wearer. The interior of the amulet would contain a piece of paper with written verses of the Koran or old magic formula known and prepared by the Marabout, or some may even contain sand from the desert.
Upon its backside are the initials of its maker, Moussa Albaka, whom is well-knonw Tuareg tribesman and silversmith. Albaka's creations include necklaces, amulets, bracelets, earrings, buckles, daggers and locks, all handmade of 95% silver. Albaka uses the lost wax process and decoration techniques - engraving, repoussČ and inlay of semi-precious stones, ebony and and other metals.
Albaka has won the UNESCO award for artistic excellence in his work.
Pendant dimensions: 4 7/8" H x 3 7/8" W x 5/8" D
Necklace: 20" L (lying flat, end to end)