Antique Tuareg Southern Cross Necklace 7.25” Length

Material: Mixed metals + onyx seed beads Necklace Length: 7.25 Pendant Length: 1.5  The Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert traditionally use the stars to navigate and a constellation in the shape of a cross was used to orient them with the southern pole. This symbolism is reflected in their personal adornment with silver pendants called Croix du Sud or the Southern Cross.  There are 21 varieties; each one represents a specific area of Africa which identifies the wearer as a particular tribesman. These pendants were traditionally passed from Father to Son so that they may always know their place in the world, however, in modern times they are worn by both genders.  This Croix du Sud is a stylized version of the Iferoune cross. The mixed metal pendant measures 1.5 long. The 7.25 necklace is made of black Onyx seed beads and includes four metal tube spacers which are common Tuareg jewelry designs.  The touareg family of Niger has been making jewelry for more than 25 generations. They are famous for their high quality hand crafted jewelry - using 99.99% pure fine silver, ebony and semi precious stones. The traditionally nomadic Tuareg are indigenous to the Sahara desert. They are often called “the Blue People of the desert” due to the indigo dye they use on their garments that stains their skin. The tuareg family collective lives in both Agadez and Niamey, Niger. Over 50 silversmiths present their artistry. Each piece is hand hammered, beautifully engraved with the symbolism.