Silver Tuareg cross of Agadez with khamsa from Niger

This silver Tuareg cross, made circa 1980, features a stylised khamsa or hand, believed to provide added protection from harm. Raised granulation and a floral design add to its beauty. A very wearable unique item.

An amulet (hirz in Arabic) is an object worn by a person as a form of protection. It is believed to ward off all danger and protect the person from all harm. Often it will be combined with beads or worn on a chain as a piece of jewellery. Some amulets contain verses from the Qur'an as perceived added protection. The amulets in our collection include Tuareg tcherot, Yemeni prayer boxes, boghdad and Tuareg crosses.