Tsabit Knob Necklace

$125.00

Artist: Koumama Family

Region / Country: Africa / Niger

This handcrafted fine (99%) silver necklace is a thick rope of smooth silver with chunky traditional Tuareg tsabit knob ends which are hand engraved. This necklace is rigid, yet adjustable with the opening at the front. It sits at the base of the neck with the knobs worn in the front. (SKU: TJ-2005)

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.