Chapter 8: Tuareg Accessories

Every time I visit Africa, something new finds its way into my home. It might be African jewelry, textiles, statuettes, musical instruments, or other small items. Each possesses a unique originality in its color, shape, and design, with characteristics that vary by ethnic group. Their colors and forms, in particular, are intuitive and unlike anything else.

Photo & text by ASANO Noriko

Photo by Jamandfix

Most of what I own is contemporary. I'm not particularly interested in old items; rather, I tend to avoid them because the risk of being deceived is high. I've had painful experiences in the past...

I was told by a friend that some Africans dealing in old items these days possess advanced techniques to make them look antique. Knowing that antiques fetch high prices, they might bury them in the ground for over six months, then roast them and add more soil to make them appear aged, taking nearly a year to create the illusion. For amateurs like me to venture into antiques, he said, is to buy them with the understanding that 'it's okay to be deceived from the start.'

But antiques are said to be a man's romance, something a woman like me might not fully grasp. So now, I try to buy things that I feel would be acceptable even if I were deceived, negotiating the price as much as possible. ... Buying things in Africa, including the possibility of being deceived, is truly enjoyable!!

Now, I'd like to talk about Tuareg accessories, featured at 'African Market Café by AFRICAN JAG PROJECT' on the web shopping site 'rumors'.

The Tuareg People

In the past, traveling across the Sahara Desert, I encountered men clad in indigo blue cloth, leading caravans on camelback. These 'blue men' were known by the epithet 'Blue Warriors' and were once the most feared in the Sahara. That was the Tuareg people. Today, they are dispersed across West African countries, primarily in Niger and the Sahara Desert. Many have transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled ones. However, their pride and resilient spirit still reside in their mysterious eyes.

Among the items featured on the web shop 'African Market Café by AFRICAN JAG PROJECT' within 'rumors,' I particularly recommend the silver accessories crafted by the Tuareg people.
Speaking of the Tuareg, they gained widespread recognition in 2003 when Hermès released a Tuareg-inspired padlock, which was perhaps inevitable given the Tuareg's exquisite craftsmanship. It's almost surprising it hadn't been highlighted before. Everything is handmade, with unique patterns on each piece. Tuareg accessories are now immensely popular among stylish Europeans. It's even said that Miles Davis wore them until the day he died...

Youssful

Photo by Jamandfix

Most of the items I feature on the web shop 'African Market Café by AFRICAN JAG PROJECT' are made by the family of Youssful (a boy with remarkably beautiful eyes) from the Tuareg people of Niger. In addition to silver pieces with intricate patterns, they also create items combining silver with carnelian or glass, others incorporating camel leather, and some featuring inlay work where pigment is embedded into engraved lines on silver. All are crafted with great care.

Photo by Jamandfix

Youssful's family's creations are generally more expensive than those of other Tuareg artisans. No matter how much I negotiate, they won't budge on the price. But the silver purity is high, and the quality of the craftsmanship is overwhelmingly superior, so I always find myself accepting it... though it still feels a bit frustrating.

Photo by Jamandfix

Negotiations with Youssful take place under a large tree. Youssful speaks French, and I speak English. We don't understand each other at all. Our common language (or lack thereof) is the calculator. Under the gentle sunlight, two or three hours are standard. Time flows slowly. I love this pace of time and often wish for such a wonderful flow of time in Tokyo... I feel it would make people kinder.

Photo by Jamandfix

Youssful said, 'Someday, let's travel the Sahara Desert with my caravan.' ... I have a feeling something might happen if I were to travel the Sahara under a sky full of stars with a boy who has such beautiful eyes. Still, I'd love to go someday...

Characteristics and Notes on Tuareg Accessories

Tuareg accessories are primarily made of silver. However, many contain nickel or are made entirely of nickel. Those mixed with nickel have a slightly yellowish hue and are less expensive. Pure silver pieces may lack thickness, while nickel-infused ones can appear more substantial. While silver is generally preferred, occasionally, nickel-mixed pieces are exceptionally beautiful, with a lovely, subtle golden color and a striking presence. If you don't have a nickel allergy, I highly recommend trying these.

Many Tuareg accessories feature glass beads for the chain component. These might seem overly ornate to some Japanese tastes, but if you're not keen on them, you can easily replace them with a leather cord for a more casual look. I sometimes repurpose the removed glass beads to create other accessories myself.

Photo by Jamandfix

Finally, all Tuareg accessories are handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. Don't forget to check the patterns when purchasing! Even with similar designs, the engraved patterns will differ on each item. Be cautious, as some lines might appear rough or carelessly done. Always choose a pattern that appeals to you.

Also, many Tuareg accessories have engraved lines filled with pigment to make them stand out. This is intentional, so please don't mistake it for dirt. Be very careful if using silver polishing liquid, as it will wash away the pigment entirely! (Learned from experience).

For Men Too!

Many items made by the Tuareg are suitable for men. This includes silver crosses, silver rings with inlay work, letter openers, and camel-shaped boxes, among other unique pieces. Crosses and rings can be paired with a partner's, and items like letter openers, simply by possessing them, can make one seem like a man of discerning taste. Using such a letter opener to unseal a letter might even make it feel more special. I'd love to see these in the hands of a 'cool guy'...

Photo by Jamandfix

And so, I've written a little about the accessories of the Tuareg, the nomadic people of the Sahara Desert in West Africa, featured at 'African Market Café by AFRICAN JAG PROJECT' on rumors. Incidentally, when you purchase items from 'African Market Café by AFRICAN JAG PROJECT' on rumors, 20% of the price is automatically donated to the 'African JAG Project.' For details on the 'African JAG Project,' please visit http://www.jag81.com/africa.

Now, please enjoy a leisurely shopping experience at rumors, feeling the winds of Africa.

To celebrate the opening of rumors, we will select five people each month from those who send feedback, opinions, or questions about my content page 'Winds of Africa' and present them with African accessories, crafts, CDs, textiles, etc.
Please use the 'Opinions and Requests Here' link at the bottom of the top page to send your messages.

Winners will be contacted via their registered email address, so please ensure it is entered accurately (Openers Editorial Department).