Necklace with jewellery pendant, originating from Tuareg, Sahel
 
Materials:
Silver, glass beads.
 
Dimensions:
H 8 cm. L 28 cm.
 
Provenance:
Zimmer Collection Switserland
 
Since time immemorial, jewellery in a wide variety of forms and materials has accompanied and fascinated people of all cultures.
 
From a cultural point of view, however, bangles and anklets, amulets and necklaces are much more than just pieces of jewellery. In large parts of Africa, these precious objects are not only valued for their beauty, but are also worn as magical, protective and power-giving objects, which were also used as a means of exchange and payment.
 
Thus, the ornaments are part of religious beliefs and symbolise rank and affiliation of the wearers. In some ethnic groups, diviners prescribe the wearing of protective jewellery that keeps away evil spirits.
 
In addition to local materials such as ivory, silver or gold, popular imported goods were also used to make the valuable unique pieces. Indian stone beads had reached Africa very early on via the trade routes of the Near East. Later, during Murano's heyday between the 16th and 19th centuries, glass beads of Italian manufacture in particular found a ready market.
 
Due to the value of the raw materials used, the jewellery was also an investment and was used in trade as pre-coinage means of payment.
 
In the areas influenced by Islam, silver was traditionally preferred to gold in jewellery making. The reason for this was that this shiny white precious metal was said to be pure and to augur good luck and prosperity for its owner.
 
Further reading:
Borel, France (1999). Jewellery. Treasures from Africa, Asia, Oceania and America. From the Ghysels Collection. Ostfildern-Ruit: Hatje Cantz.