Safiyyah Choker

The Tuareg people are an Islamic African semi-nomadic tribe that call the areas of Niger, Mali, Algeria, Lybia, and Burkina Faso their home. Although they are practicing Muslims their own tribal customs and traditions intersect with their day to day life. The honor of women is one of these traditions that hold true today. This might be connected with the belief that their tribe’s founder was a woman and a large portion of Tuareg folklore decrees that it is the tribe’s female ancestors who founded its traditions and customs.  

The tradition of jewelry making is highly regarded and passed down through the patriarchal line. The jewelry worn by Tuareg women symbolize the status and wealth of a family which compliments their belief that traditions and customs come from female ancestors. All of the geometric designs which are used on jewelry are highly symbolic and speak to family history, tradition, and belief systems.  When you are adorned with Tuareg jewelry you are carrying a family history and a very rich tradition with you.