A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.
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I recently purchased a small group of inexpensive jewellery, which I believe to be Tuareg. The seller said he/she had purchased them from an antique shop some years ago. Every one of the pieces seems to carry the same marks.
I'm yet to receive these but thought I'd post the photos to see if anyone would have more information on these marks.
I believe the jewellery is new and wonder if someone added these marks to make them more interesting or if these indicate ownership. The group I purchased is below. Their total weight is 172 grams.
Whats the matter with my computer? I have written about 15 lines, and all has gone! I am trying to make it shorter now! The items are fantastic, but the marks are unknown to me. I have a bracelet and necklace of almost the same style as the ones below, but mine are newer ones (I would prefer the older version that you have). Also the pendant is a form, that I have seen for sale on a German websie for Tuareg jewellery. Bracelet and pendant are from Niger (this style), but sometimes they also overlap. The necklace I bought from Helvetas, a Swiss Aid Organization, that supports people in 3rd world countries. They said it was from Mali. If the objects are old,( as they look to me on the photo), you have some real treasures here! Hope someone can help you with the marks, they are not usually on Tuareg jewellery, but the Smith writes his name in Tifinagh writing, which is much different from the marks, consisting mainly of strokes, points, circles, very straight and plain.
some jewellery pieces are assayed in the country they are imported to, could these be silver marks from such a situation, they are as Eva says certainly not Tuareg marks.
Sorry, with my comment being disappeared, I got all mixed up. The pieces on the picture are all definitely Tuareg Jewellery, with or without the mysterious marks!
ok the top one is the assay for Moscow
1908 - 1926 called the second Kokoschnik mark
The A N is a makers mark I can't at the moment find who
The third is a double headed imperial eagle. this was used far earlier than the top assay mark. (until 1741)
It makes no sense that they are all genuinely used on one piece........so we can speculate that they have been added by someone who did not understand the meanings.
I have been told that an assay stamp was found and used liberally in Morocco a few years ago to trick people into believing a piece was older or more valuable. This may be a similar situation?
Really interesting stuff Preethi!!
thanks for sharing!
Sx
Wow, this is really fascinating - did not think that someone would know all this so quick! What surprises me, is that the marks are made on the front side, in the decorations themselves, which is also very unusual for Tuareg marks, so I also guess, someone has added them who knew either not much about Tuareg jewellery, or who did not care. Marks and letters are usually added on the back only. But it adds certainly a lot to its mystery and makes the piece very interesting!
Eva and Sarah, thanks very much for your comments.
Eva, I'd be thrilled if these were even 20 or so years old! Not that I purchased these because I hoped they would be old. They are beautiful regardless of age I think. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the patterns and have posted a photo of the larger necklace below.
Sarah, that's fantastic info on the hallmarks! Not sure when next I'll come across such hallmarks, esp. the imperial eagle :)
Eva, as you pointed out too, I was a bit surprised to see the marks on the front of the pieces, like they were meant to be noticed. Thanks guys - this was fun!
By the way, the type of the big necklace with the hinge-joint is called "Arnawal".I checked this online, since I have such a necklace bought from a Humanitarian Swiss Society to support the Sahara nomads (unfortunately a new one, i.e. I bought it about 8 years ago), so it also interested me. I found the name "Arnawal". I really love all the items shown on the photo on the bottom! You are lucky to have found them.