Tekna
Laayoune, Western Sahara
Northern Africa and the Sahel
Prayer-String Necklace
INV-2018
Tekna
Laayoune, Western Sahara
Northern Africa and the SahelEarly 20th century
Prayer-String Necklace
Tekna Laayoune, Western Sahara Northern Africa and the Sahel →teknaArts of Africaafrican ArtNorthern Africa and the Saheljewelrynecklace
Date
Early 20th century
Medium
Wood, silver, copper, amber, silk, and carnelian
Dimensions
Flat/Extended: 76.2 × 14 × 3.9 cm (30 × 5 1/2 × 1 1/2 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Alsdorf Foundation - James and Marilynn Alsdorf Acquisition Fund
Artists among the Tekna people and Moors in Northern Africa create silver jewelry in bold forms that stand in stark contrast with the region’s arid environment. Objects from Guelmim in Morocco usually include deeply etched geometric patterns, and are adorned with raised beads or projecting studs. Those from Boutilimit in Mauritania feature large square plates delicately etched with meandering motifs.
Also notable
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