Tuareg Shaman's Necklace

A necklace of pockets, small and sealed.

Tuareg makers of Mali, West Africa, fashioned this shaman’s necklace in leather in the 20th century. Tuareg leather pouches and cases commonly hold amulets, written verses or protective materials, and are worn on the body. Here a dozen or more flat leather packets hang from a cord, in tones of rose, ochre, tan and brown, with a few cylindrical cases and a small round one near the center. The edges are stitched, and the surfaces are rubbed and soft.

About thirteen inches long. Heavy with mystery, light on the shoulders.