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At first, it is really a very sophisticated one! I wonder about this InGall type "cross". I have always seen old ones without inscription in the coloured parts and collected quite a few. Tuareg have their own scripture (Tifinagh). I have been told during Ages that Tuareg are defined over their language Tamasheq / Tamahaq and their own scripture. How come they use Arabic signs? Or is this a particular Piece from Lybian Tuareg? Why do they not use Tifinagh writing for the inscriptions? This somehow confuses me. (Or are the Lybian Tuareg writing in Arabic ?)
This is definitely Nigerien work, probably for quite a sophisticated client. The Arabic bead is from Mecca. These communities are Muslim and indiviuals do go on Hadj, and even if the lady or family who had this necklace made didnt go on Hadj, Im sure these beads would have been traded. In fact I have seen strings of Hadj beads on sale in Niamey.
This is really beautiful. I love the incorporation of Hajj beads into jewelry.