We’ve recently uploaded some fantastic vintage Tuareg crosses collected in Niger, West Africa during the 1980’s to the website, including this lovely example! To the Tuareg, the Cross symbolizes the Four Cardinal Points of Direction. Traditional Tuareg Cultures were, and to this day still are Desert Nomads. Tuareg live in one of the most inhospitable areas of Africa: the central part of the Sahara Desert. A pinnacle of their Spiritual Existence is to protect and defend themselves from hostile supernatural forces that inhabit the cruel and extreme surrounding desert environment. The Cross is believed to be a Charm that protects travelers from traps set by the Evil Spirits of ”Jinn” (Demons) and to attract the protection of Beneficial Genies. Living Nomadic lives, to the Tuareg paths, roads and directions are essential for survival. In Traditional Tuareg lore, Crosses and Charms are passed down within families with the words, “I give you the Four Corners of the World, because one cannot know where one will die”. #tuareg #tuaregcross #vintagetuareg #tuaregjewelry #agadezcross #niger #westafrica #1980s #vintagejewelry #agadez #gift #fashion #style #mensfashion #mensstyle #mensjewelry #shop #nyc #unionsquare #beadsofparadise (at Beads of Paradise NYC) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEUqkzFHNLv/?igshid=l0j7x5f7x7la