Tribalgh
Vintage Tuareg In-Gall Hair Ornament Pendant – Sahara Nomadic Silver Jewelry
Vintage Tuareg In-Gall Hair Ornament Pendant – Sahara Nomadic Silver Jewelry
Item number:
SKU:SD-30428
Check shipping cost
Check shipping cost
Standard shipping cost for this item is $ 7.95
Insured "AIR MAIL" anywhere in the world.
Delivery time for Europe is 7-14 working days.
Delivery time for USA and the rest of the World is 14-21 working days.
We combine shipping on multiple purchases!
DHL option available for faster delivery ( 2 - 4 working days ) to all over the world.
During your checkout you will be able to see cost and select DHL option.
FREE upgrade to DHL for orders over $ 200
Couldn't load pickup availability
Vintage Tuareg In-Gall Hair Ornament Pendant – Sahara Nomadic Silver Jewelry
This exquisite mid-20th-century Tuareg hair ornament, also known as an In-Gall pendant, is a remarkable piece of Sahara nomadic craftsmanship. Handmade in Niger, West Africa, it features a low-silver-content alloy (coin silver mixed with other metals) and is adorned with a polished agate stone. Traditionally, such ornaments were worn by Tuareg women as hair adornments or pendants, symbolizing cultural identity and aesthetic expression.
- Length: 1 7/16" (36 mm)
- Material: Coin silver mixed with other metals
- Stone: Agate
- Condition: Good vintage condition with some wear and minor damages due to age and usage
This authentic piece reflects the rich heritage of the Tuareg people, known for their intricate silverwork and symbolic jewelry designs. The In-Gall pendant is not only a decorative item but also a testament to the nomadic lifestyle and artistic traditions of the Sahara.
About the Tuareg People and Their Jewelry
The Tuareg are a Berber ethnic group inhabiting the Sahara Desert regions of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, and Libya. Historically, they have been nomadic pastoralists and traders, known for their camel caravans that facilitated trans-Saharan trade. Tuareg society is rich in oral traditions, poetry, and craftsmanship.
Tuareg jewelry, particularly their silver pieces, holds significant cultural value. Artisans create intricate designs using techniques passed down through generations, often incorporating symbols representing protection, identity, and social status. Common motifs include the Agadez cross, representing the four cardinal points, and other geometric patterns. Materials used range from silver and copper to semi-precious stones like agate and carnelian.
Beyond jewelry, Tuareg artisans produce leather goods, such as bags and saddles, straw mats, and finely crafted swords, all reflecting their nomadic heritage and artistic expression.
Explore more authentic Tuareg artifacts and handmade jewelry at TribalGH:
Share
