Ebony Inlaid Silver Cuff

$325.00

Artist: Koumama Family

Region / Country: Africa / Niger

A 1 3/4 inch bracelet of very heavy 99% pure silver. The square "amulet" top is inlaid with ebony offset by intricate hand engraving. The sides and ends of the bracelet are also engraved. The cuff has a slim opening at the back and simply slips on over the wrist. The cuff is adjustable. (SKU: TJ-1001)

Artist: Koumama Family

Region: Africa

Country: Niger

The Koumama family is Tuareg which traditionally has been semi-nomadic. Some call Tuaregs the "Blue People" due to the indigo used to dye men's deep blue tagelmusts (turbans). Most Tuaregs live in northern Niger with some living in Mali and Algeria. Today the ancient Tuareg classes, Nobles (camel herders), Vassals (goat herders), Inadan (blacksmiths) and slaves (now outlawed) still exist. However, following the famines of the 1970s and 1980s and civil unrest, many have been forced to abandon their herds and take on labor and lifestyles they might traditionally have rejected.