Head Adornment – Mauritania

Mid 20th century. Shells (tafoun), agate and carnelian rings (khourb) on braided leather. Approx. cm. 65,0 long (25.59 Inches); gr. 115,7 (4.08 oz.).

Before performing the dance of seduction (guedra), mauritanian women wear a parure embellished with different amulets.

Very interesting piece from an anthropological point of view. You can see a similar piece on:

• page 28-29 of “A World of Head Adornment: Africa, Asia, Oceania, America” by Anne Van Cutsem.;
• page 220-221 of “Africa Adorned” by Angela Fisher.