1: A large Tuareg bag made of leather that has been dyed black, with three compartments and a wide shoulder strap. The surfaces of the bag that are visible on the outside are richly decorated: with detailed embossed geometric patterns, embroidery in light-coloured, thinly cut leather bands, and flaps and thick fringing made of braided and straight leather bands to decorate the bag. Three of these decorative flaps are perforated and are underlaid with white, red and green fabric. A Tuareg object for everyday use with a small, late original repair to the shoulder strap (torn and sewn) with old usage patina.
Dimensions: c. 50 cm x 32 cm (bag without carrying belt).

2: A bag to be worn across the chest of Tuareg men, made of leather and fabric dyed red, black, green and white. In fact, only the upper rectangular portion, which is somewhat deeper, is usable as a bag. This pouch made of red leather has raised sections, similar to relief, to the front, and is decorated on the exterior with very delicate embossed lines, circles, and dots in typical geometric Tuareg style. Previously it would have been used to carry a small copy of the Qur’an, a written amulet or other everyday necessities (proof of identity, money, etc.). Decorated leather carrying flaps with aluminium frames are sewn on to both narrow sides. These frames have four woven strings attached to them, from which this ‘Qur’an box’ and its pendants would be hung around the neck. Both pendants which hang down below only fulfil a decorative purpose, and are very elaborately embellished with green leather ornaments, underlaid with red fabric and ornamented with black and white embroidery. A large red leather tassel dangles from the front. An old piece which fulfils a practical purpose (as a ‘Qur’an box’) and also has an ornamental function. No significant damage. Length: c. 27 cm; width: c. 11.5 cm (the ‘box’ with pendants).

Both Tuareg objects have been crafted with a keen eye for detail. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: German private collection.