Ancient Great Tuareg Cross Bilma – Agadez Region - Silver...

Antique Bilma Tuareg Cross (Teneghelt tan Bilma) in high-purity silver (tested, purity estimated about 900‰). The Bilma Cross takes its name from the historic oasis of Bilma, located in the Agadez region, on the edge of the Ténéré Desert, in northeastern Niger, and is one of the twenty-one historic Crosses of Niger. Entirely handmade by the Inadan masters, the renowned Tuareg jeweler-smiths, this cross features a distinctive geometric lozenge silhouette with angular side fins and an elaborated lower part with three terminals, each finished with traditional spherical knobs. The entire surface is finely decorated with dense geometric engravings and hatch marks (tera-tera), executed according to the ancient Tuareg goldsmithing tradition. Dates to roughly the mid-20th century when these jewels were still made by melting circulating silver coins, yielding high-purity alloys whose fineness varied naturally by a few percent from one specimen to another. Traditionally these crosses were without a through-bail and were worn by threading a cord directly through the openings. Details Type: Bilma Tuareg Cross (Teneghelt tan Bilma) Origin: Bilma Oasis, Niger Material: Silver (tested) about 900‰ Purity: estimated about 900‰ Dimensions: 8.8 × 5.2 cm Era: Mid-20th century Conditions Excellent condition, with a pleasant patina of age and engravings naturally softened by use. The photos are part of the description Shipping with trackable courier

Estimate:£2.53

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