Mauritanian amulets

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Posted by Preethi on November 6, 2015 at 1:46pm

Rare Mauritanian amulets, called riassit fiftin or a franc, as they resemble the French coin.

Betty November 6, 2015 at 2:45pm

I love these, Preethi! Very intricate... Do you perhaps happen to have a picture showing them in their original use as bracelet clasps?
Peter Hoesli November 6, 2015 at 3:44pm

Oh, Preethi, this is gorgeous. I would have the fitting anklets for it.... Congratulations. Peter
Lynn Ardent November 7, 2015 at 4:10am

Lovely pieces. I too would love to see a photo of the complete bracelets.
Preethi November 16, 2015 at 10:46am

Hi everyone, I was wrong about these being clasps. These are in fact amulets that are used in jewellery including bracelets. Here's a photo of the amulet in use, from Jean Gabus book 'Sahara'. The caption reads: Amulette argent et cuir <<riassit ktab dra>> (le talisman du bras). Se porte dans les cheveux en pendentif temporal. Ce genre d’amulette se dit <<riassit fiftin>> ou <<un franc>>, parce qu’elle ressemble a une piece d’un franc. Mederdra.

I hope to look for references in other books at some point. Again, thanks to Alaa Eddine Sagid for his guidance.
ingrid Langerak November 18, 2015 at 8:11am

Lovely little items, Preethi. Love also the way they have solved the bail's system. because these tube type of bails also have a tendency to cut through threading. unless perhaps a leather cord. Gr. Ingrid

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