Photos

Comments

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  SARAH CORBETT May 12, 2014 at 5:21pm

  Hey Ait...any clues!!?

  Sx
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  Ethnic Embellishments May 12, 2014 at 5:24pm

  I'm going to guess Mali.
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  SARAH CORBETT May 12, 2014 at 7:15pm

  yes, I was leaning that way too, but have found no references in any of my books..

  still searching!!
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  ait ouakli May 12, 2014 at 7:49pm

  if purshassedin south , east marocco. it is then probably from tabelbala oase. the only amulettes i know with semilar samples but, not on metal, they use leather. they still have the old tradition, leather amuletesmstones bones and shell.

  if not, could be sahel but not tuareg
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  Ethnic Embellishments May 12, 2014 at 10:04pm

  I've seen many, many pieces similar to this.  The metal backing and how it is folded over to form the loop point to styles that I've seen from Mali.  Mauritania and Niger seem to have far more stylized versions of these amulets that have some variation, but never run this simple and clean.
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  SARAH CORBETT May 12, 2014 at 10:09pm

  I was drawn to it as it is so different

  and love things I can't pin down! a research project always appeals!

  this zig zag worked pattern is used in the Anti Atlas, and there are some archaic kitabs from that region, but i am unable to find references for them at the moment....i am not convinced that this fits that region either, but it is a lead i am checking

  @ Ait thank you i was aware of the leather versions you mentioned, and thought that this may be a related piece which you had knowledge of....thanks for joining the quest!

  I have been looking at Fulani pics , but have as yet seen nothing similar

  the quest continues

  Hurry back from your travels Alaa, we need your input!!!

  S x
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  Alaa eddine SAGID May 16, 2014 at 9:07am

  i AM with hillarry on that

  Mauritanian Kitabs have always very refined hanging loops and systems (sometime strinkingly awesome elaborate ones)

  Tuareg kitabs or tcherot often hold sand inside to prevent dents and damages and thus the talismanic strength is seen as embodied in the container and not in any material contained inside which makes sense, the tuareg being very superficially islamic people until very recently could only see the amulets a superficial power and not focus on sacred written texts

  The sahel region is then the last possibility

  The brilliant remark of Hillary about the use of iron and how it is folded suggest a iron smith work rather than a silversmith which fits with every other aspect of the piece: the sahel origin and talismanic use
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  Alaa eddine SAGID May 16, 2014 at 9:12am

  Oh i forgot a couple of words about the engraved pattern on face

  See how it has been drawed using a special tool to engrave the zigzags and make it into a sound pattern

  this technique i have seen numerous times and also hails from the sahel, most probably around NIGER or MALI

  I guess even the pattern might mean something related to the talisman, as allowing the holder to freely move in four directions and seccessful in whatever he partakes or unbeatable with the four spears/arrows protecting him!!
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  SARAH CORBETT May 16, 2014 at 10:13am

  Thank you Alaa, so good to have your wisdom.
  Lovely to jave you back!
  
  S x