Old Frontal Parure – CHARWITA – Mauritania

Mid 20th century. Shells (tafoun), agate rings (tanfouk), old glass beads, old resin bead. Approx. cm. 11,5 width x cm. 7,5 high (4.52″ x 2.95″); gr. 131,2 (4.62 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.

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