Old Frontal Parure – CHARWITA – Mauritania

Mid 20th century. Shells (tafoun), agate, carnelian and glass beads. Old boghdad cross (gilden copper). Approx. cm. 19,0 width x cm. 6,5 high (7.48″ x 2.56″); gr. 127,8 (4.51 oz.).

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

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 223 of “Africa Adorned” by Angela Fisher.