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Assrou n Swoul
Genuine, Rare Tuareg Key
Antique Tuareg Assrou n Swoul. Private collection of
Temehu.com. Dim. (28 cm x 8 cm).
The Facts
A genuine and old Tuareg robe
weight known as assrou n swoul (assrou n' swoul),
generally translated as
"
the key which is thrown over the shoulder
"
. The assrou n swoul is a highly prized and valued piece among
the collectors of Berber antiques and jewellery. Items of this kind
and quality are extremely rare. Tuareg blacksmiths, known as inadan in
Tamazight ('Berber language'), are well known for their fine metal-work
and are among the best in the Sahara. This elaborate key-like pendant
is often worn by wealthier women as a counterweight to keep their
head-cloths or robes from being blown away by the Sahara's winds.Tuareg
women dress in black or indigo robes and go about their business
unveiled, unlike their husbands who must keep their faces covered
at all times, even while eating. The key (or the assrou) is hand-made,
using brass, copper, iron, silver (or silver and nickel alloy) and
wood; the method of laminating used is known as the ‘sandwich technique’.
It is a very lengthy process, requiring time and special skills as
those of Tuareg smiths. Compared with other similar pieces, this
key is of the highest quality, well balanced, neatly executed, masterly
engraved with fine Berber designs, and truly unique. The patina on
the wood clearly indicates that this piece was well used and had
a long history.
Specifications:
Condition: the piece is in very
good original condition.
Dimensions: length: 28 cm; width:
8 cm; thickness: 1-3 mm, and 5-9 mm at protrusions;weight: 151 grams.
Materials: brass sandwiched to
iron, with copper overlay, and maybe silver or silver-nickel alloy,
and wood.
Period: unknown, but it could
be late 19th or early 20th century.
Classification: metal-work.
Source: private collection. Owner:
Temehu.com.
Interpretations:
The above information is what
is currently widely known about this rare object of Tuareg culture.
This is a problem common to most art forms, ancient and modern,
where the intended meaning of the work is often unclear or cannot
be determined outright and hence is usually interpreted in various
ways by different critics and art lovers. What follows is an attempt
to interpret the Key in other ways, more in harmony with desert's
nature. The Assrou n Swoul undoubtedly employs a set of geometrical
expressions of Saharan mythology, cleverly constructed to convey
the basic fundamentals of Tuareg culture and art, in a very simple
and yet a powerful way. The elements used in this design are definitely
the same as the geometrical forms generally found in Berber carpets,
prehistoric art, tattoos, engravings and jewellery, and therefore
to say that this genius master piece of art was specifically constructed
and made only as a counterweight is an understatement which can
only express gross negligence and clear ignorance. It would have
been easier for the Tuareg smiths to mould a lump of iron and throw
it over the shoulder, if that was the only reason. It is like the
neighbouring Egyptian Ankh which respected Egyptologists say is
a sandal; maybe they meant to write a
"
scandal
"
. The Magical properties of the
Berber Hand, the Eye, the Cross and the Zed are widely known and
well respected. The circle is often, as is the case worldwide, a
reference to the sun herself. An upward-pointing triangle naturally
expresses fire and subsequently men, while downward-pointing triangle
symbolises water and women. The two triangles together, divinely
united, make up the diamond of life and prosperity; as sustained
and held supreme by the manifestation of their power: the circle
at the top. It is therefore not surprising that such mysterious and
highly prized objects are often believed to carry some sort of allusive
magical properties, common to most tribal jewellery.
If you are interested in, or
have any enquiries regarding, this item, please do not hesitate
to contact us via our
web
form
; we would be pleased to answer
them to the best of our knowledge.
Tuareg Locks
Antique Tuareg lock. Private collection
of Temehu.com. Dim. (12 cm x 8 cm).
The above lock is a genuine piece
of Tuareg metal-work. Tuareg women use locks to close their jewellery
bags, which are rectangular, cast iron boxes decorated with layers
of silver, tin, copper, leather and brass. The lock mechanism is hidden
in the metal casing and cannot be accessed from the top nor from
any other side. Different springs are released when the key, assrou,
or tinast in other Berber languages, presses them together. Each
lock can only be opened using the specially designed key. The key
is placed in the hole near the end, then pulled towards the other
end, where the springs click open and the actual lock, with the pin
comes off. It can be closed simply by pushing it back in position.
There is no way of hacking this kind of lock and therefore is fully
secure. The design is very ancient and similar locks are found in
Chinese literature.
Tuareg Cross
Vintage (1950s) Tuareg cross-necklace.
Private collection of Temehu.com.
This genuine and vintage Tuareg Cross
Necklace is made of silver Berber crosses and vintage coloured glass
beads. The Crosses are normally worn on their own and rarely found
in a necklace like this one, except in some modern variants. The
symbolism of the cross is almost identical to the Assrou n Swoul
(described above) and carries the same geometrical elements. The
back of the crosses are normally engraved with Tuareg tifinagh (script),
representing the name of the owner, to afford protection to the wearer.
They are often made of silver, which is more valued than gold in
Tuareg society, although gold commercial variants can be found in
modern shops.
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