Antique Tuareg Leather and Brass Tcherot with Raised Decorative Buttons and Hooks - Rita Okrent Collection (P642g)

Tuareg Leather and Brass Tcherot Amulet, decorated with a several raised buttons,  from Mauritania.

A nice size for a focal pendant, substantial and very handsome. 75mm at top. 35mm at center narrow point.105 mm from top to very tip of bottom.

Tcherot typically contain small objects with amulet properties and carefully folded magical formulas as well as verses from the Koran, all designed to protect and strengthen the wearer or to ensure her fertility. A Tuareg girl receives her first Tcherot from her mother at the age of seventeen. (from the book "African Beads, Jewels of a Continent" by Evelyn Simak).

Also, see this article to learn more: http://www.ornamentmagazine.org/blog/tuareg-jewelry-volume-403

Pendant Item 642g