This West African piece of jewelry celebrates the nomadic (and intensely romantic) Festival of Salt. It is handcrafted by the men of Niamey, Niger using the traditional hand tools and methods that have been used by Tuareg craftsmen for centuries.

I first saw this fascinating silver jewelry at a show in New York.  The craftsmanship alone could have earned it a place in the VirtuArte collection, but it was the story of the artisans' celebration of nomadic Tuareg history that made this a must have.

The men of the Koumama family begin apprenticing as silversmiths by age seven, and it's not until they reach their teens that they are able to even begin mastering the craft and offering their wares under the Koumama name.  Perhaps the real reason I find their jewelry so passionate is that much of it celebrates their culture.  The triangular piece of glass in the earring symbolizes the village where the nomads gather for the annual Cure Salee (Festival of Salt), a time of marriages and intimate contact critical to sustaining this otherwise nomadic culture.  This makes these earrings beautifully touchable and wearable icons that enable one to share the Tuareg culture with the world.

• Silver. glass
• Color: Silver, red
• Length: 2 1/4 inches, Width: 5/8 inch
• Handmade in Niger
• Each pair is hand engraved which gives a variation in design
• Shipped from the US within 48 hours of purchase

Product SKU: TJ-3001

A red Ingal pendant is available (SKU: TJ-2006)