Antique Tuareg Silver ‘Elkiss’ Bracelets, Niger – Pair
A stunning antique pair of traditional Tuareg elkiss bracelets. These heavy and solid cuff-style bracelets are made of high-grade silver and display traditional hand-worked geometric designs on the polyhedral-shaped faceted knobs at the end of the bangles, which are completed with a flat base. In good vintage condition with nice patina. They are rare to find as a pair and as such are highly collectible.
Bracelets such as these are worn in pairs by Ullimeden Tuareg women and are often accompanied by tsabit earrings of a very similar matching design. They are a symbol of a woman’s wealth and her Tuareg identity. This old pair of bracelets have matching silver tsabit earrings, which you can find for sale here: Antique Silver Tuareg ‘Tsabit’ Earrings
Date:
1920s
Material:
High-grade silver
Dimensions:
Length 18.0 cm ea, thickness 0.85 cm, ends 2.8 cm x 2.4 cm
Total weight:
444 g (pair)
Ref:
BRA-245
References:
Borel, F. (1994). The Splendour of Ethnic Jewelry. London: Thames and Hudson, p. 48
Fisher, A. (1998). Africa Adorned. New York: H. Abrams, p. 204