Tuareg veil counterweight AF208A
This ornament, called Asru N’swul, is used as a counterweight to the veils worn by Tuareg women, particularly those of Mali. Very elaborate, they are shaped like of the key of the padlocks containing family heirlooms. The greater or lesser complexity of the keys, their decoration, defined the social importance of their owner.
Steel, brass, copper, silver and leather.
Tuareg ethnicity, Sahel region (Mali, Niger,…).
19th or early 20th century.
29.5 cm long x 4.2 cm wide.