Sterling Silver and Ebony Lock and Keys - Tuareg People, Nomads of the South Sahara.

Tuareg people use a tamask n’asrou (lock and key) to secure their large leather bags containing personal possessions whilst traveling in the desert regions.
They have very intricate mechanisms and more than one key is needed to unlock them. Sometimes more complex mechanisms need 3 or 4 keys to be used in sequence in order to gain access.
Highly decorative, featuring engraved work. The Tuareg employ an elaborate aesthetic when fashioning their inventive locks and keys.

Height: 3" x Depth: 3/4" x Length: 5"

Tuareg Lock Instructions Step 1: Use the side of any key to push down on the notch located at the top of the lock with the cylindrical bar. It will release the semi-circle on the end. Step 2: Use the medium sized key with the notch facing upward, insert the key through the open end and rotate the key towards you to open the bottom (the side with the two rings & keys) Step 3: Use the largest key and insert in the bottom opening (the longer of the two rectangles) and then twist or rotate the key clockwise and slide all the way to the right which will release the opposite semi-circle on the end.