Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Brass rings from West Africa, some may be Dogon, some others from Nigeria.  Originally used as hair ornaments that would represent wealth, or worn braided onto a leather thong as a currency belt, and used as currency in tribal trade. Some have a  "snake skin" cross-hatch pattern. 

This type of fingering generally attributed to the Dogon  (Mali) but you find similar models among other tribes in Mali, and surrounding countries. Blandin, (1988) wonders, on page 37, about the meaning of this type of ring frequently presented in the villages of the cliff. The villagers' responses are varied: 
representation of the conical roofs of Dogon dwellings, of goat's or cow's nipples, and more frequently, symbol of fertility representing female breasts.

The ring bought on the market in N'djamena is similar to those of the Tuareg or The Fulanis in Niger and Algeria. Some litt. sources pretend that their form is a stylised house. The size can easily been adjusted.

Talhakimt, sometimes called Tanfuk are carved out of soft stone from the Aïr ( Assul) or from Hombori.  Only worn by women on a cord around the neck. The Talhakimt  possesses a particular mystic energy in its simple form.

Beautiful senufo ring, surmounted by a bird, very beautiful patina, easy to wear.

Two fingerings from excavations in Mali. Glar (2015) and Cutsem (2000) suggest that they may have be used as musical instruments.

This type of fingering generally attributed to the Dogon  (Mali) but you find similar models among other tribes in Mali, and surrounding countries. Blandin (1988) p. 37 suggests that the motif represent water lily leaves that exist in the ponds of the region.

Brass rings from West Africa, some may be Dogon, some others from Nigeria.  Originally used as hair ornaments that would represent wealth, or worn braided onto a leather thong as a currency belt, and used as currency in tribal trade. Some have a  "snake skin" cross-hatch pattern. Sold also  individually. Polished the make beautiful fingerrings.
 

Talhakimt, sometimes called Tanfuk are carved out of soft stone from the Aïr ( Assul) or from Hombori.  Only worn by women on a cord around the neck. The Talhakimt  possesses a particular mystic energy in its simple form.

The ring bought on the market in N'djamena is similar to those of the Tuareg or The Fulanis in Niger and Algeria. Some litt. sources pretend that their form is a stylised house

Nice finger ring, easy to wear, i9n perfect condition

This unique ring in the shape of a building is primarily produced by blacksmiths in Tahoua and Agadez and worn by Azawagh, Haoussa and Bororo women and men. Anne van Cutsen presents a similar ring from Ethiopia. The Tuareg origin seems most probable, also due to the place the ring was collected (N'Djamena). Anne van Cutsem (Baques ethniques 2000) reproduces on page 40 a very similar ring apparently from Ethiopia!

Such rings are worn by Fulani and Tuareg as hair or finger rings, as well as pendants.

Such rings are worn by Fulani and Tuareg as hair or finger rings, as well as pendants.

Such rings are often worn as pendent or as hair ring.

Such rings are often worn as pendent or as hair ring.

Such rings are often worn as pendent or as hair ring.

Such rings are often worn as pendent or as hair ring.

Such rings are often worn as pendent or as hair ring.

Such rings are often worn as pendent or as hair ring.

Such rings are often worn as pendent or as hair ring.

Origine not certain Niger (Tuareg) or Northern Cameroon/Chad (Fulani). Its size and weight indicates that it was most brobaly worn as hair decoration or pendant.

Such rings are worn by Fulani and Tuareg as hair or finger rings, as well as pendants. Their small diameter indicates that they were mostly worn as pendent, according to Brunner 2011 specialy by Azawagh women in the Aïr mountains. 

Such rings are worn by Fulani and Tuareg as hair or finger rings, as well as pendants. Their small diameter indicates that they were mostly worn as pendent, according to Brunner 2011 specialy by Azawagh women in the Aïr mountains. 

These kind o rings are found all over the interior delta of river Niger, from the Dogon in the North to the FraFra in the South. The present ring is a beautiful example of these rings, its polished and cleaned, needs to be reajusted (see picture)

Old silver ring from the Fulani people of West Africa, also called Peul by the french.These rings are used by men and women as hair decorations, pendants or finger rings. They have also a protective function and are an expression of tribal identity and social status. This sort of rings were cast with the lost wax technique and then forged to make the decoration.

Such rings are common amon various tribes of West Africa. This one was collected in Burkina Faso in the 70ties. Originally they may be Senufo from Ivory Coast. The symbolism of the chameleon are linked to the cosmos. His strange behavior and  physical appearance are of used  during intiation ceremonies.

These kind o rings are found all over the interior delta of river Niger, from the Dogon in the North to the FraFra in the South. The present ring is a beautiful example of these rings, its polished and cleaned, ready to wear.

These kind o rings are found all over the interior delta of river Niger, from the Dogon in the North to the FraFra in the South. The present ring is a beautiful example of these rings, its polished and cleaned, ready to wear.

Old silver ring from the Fulani people of West Africa, also called Peul by the french.These rings are used by men and women as hair decorations, pendants or finger rings. They have also a protective function and are an expression of tribal identity and social status. This sort of rings were cast with the lost wax technique and then forged to make the decoration.