Old Massive Tuareg Anket – African Currency – Niger

Early to mid 20th century. Bronze grams 891,2 (31.44 oz.). Cm. 10,5 high x 11,7 width (4.13 x 4.61 Inches).

Heavy anklet, U-shaped body and massive terminals faceted with tipical geometric motifs. Much used by Tuareg tribes of Mali and Niger.

Every anklet could be worn; price was established on basis of quality and weight.

The Tuareg people inhabit a large area, covering almost all the middle and western Sahara and the north-central Sahel. They are probably descended from the ancient Libyan people of the kingdom of the Garamantes, described by Herodotus. Tuareg are mostly nomads. For over two millennia, they operated the trans-Saharan caravan trade connecting the great cities on the southern edge of the Sahara via five desert trade routes to the northern coast of Africa (Mediterranean).

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