These West African earrings represent the oasis of Timia, a lovely village in the Air Mountains. They are 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 these earrings a must have.
The men of the Koumama family begin apprenticing as silversmiths by the age seven, and it's not until they reach their teens that they are able to even begin mastering the craft an 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. Jewelry is considered a necessary part of everyday dress. It is rare to see a Tuareg man without a ring, an amulet or a bracelet. Women wear head ornaments, earrings, amulets, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, rings and veil weights. These earrings could be part of the traditional gift of jewelry given to a bride by her husband.
- Silver, ebony
- Color: Silver, brown
- Length: 1 3/4 inches, Width: 3/4 inch
- Each pair is hand engraved which gives a variation in design
- Handmade in Niger
- Shipped from the US within 48 hours of purchase
Product SKU: TJ-3003
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