MAJESTIC Old TUAREG Silver Ceremonial Tisek Ring - Mali KAZAART - Rare and collectable items from Africa Start Price USD 165.00 Current Price USD 165.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, October 08, 2008 End Time Thursday, November 20, 2008 Location Westmount, Quebec See more about 'MAJESTIC Old TUAREG Silver Ceremonial Tisek Ring - Mali' Description kazaart OLD TUAREG CARNELIAN AND SILVER "TISEK" CEREMONIAL RING MALI Origin: Tuareg People - MALI Age: Mid 20th century Materials: Carnelian and silver Condition: Good Dimensions : 8,3x3 cm (3 1/4"x1 1/4") Weight: 31,5 grams Ring size: 13 ETHNOGRAPHIC CONTEXT Tuareg is a term used to identify numerous diverse groups of nomadic peoples who share a common language and a common history. Tuareg camel caravans played the primary role in trade across the Sahara until the advent of modern transportation. Many of the Tuareg groups have groups have slowly moved southward over the last 2,000 years in response to pressures from the north and the promise of a more prosperous land in the south. Today, many Tuareg live in sedentary communities in the cities bordering the Sahara that once were the great centers of trade for western Africa. The Tuareg practice Islam and have adapted their own form and style of symbolism into this religion. Jewellery from the Sahara has always been characterized by protective symbolism. The Tuareg nomads, in an attempt to safeguard their lives have adopted some of the animist practices of Western Africa. Silver is considered by these "people of the desert" to be a pure metal, gold, on the other hand, is considered to be the metal of the devil, it is feared because it is believed to bring bad luck. All those who can afford to do so, wear silver, it is the pure metal "blessed by the Prophet". ITEM DESCRIPTION A majestic and old Tuareg "Tisek " talismanic finger ring made of a high grade of silver and inset with a hand-cut carnelian stone originating from Idar-Oberstein. The carnelian agate (cut from Brazilian agate) bears the hallmarks of the crafts people of Idar-Oberstein; the stone displays a delicate scalloping to the edge (see photo detail). The perfection of the cuts makes the beads shine so that they almost appear to have been molded, the cutting inviolves a process of gentle abrasion against the grinding stone where many hours of work have been put into the cutting of such a stone. Although primarily made for the African market, this type of bead is now highly collectable. The agate originates from Brazil. * Idar-Oberstein - the German Rhineland, where from c. 1830 up until the 1970's many beads were produced in Germany for export to Africa. This type of oversize "Tisek" ring is worn by well to do Tuareg during special ceremonial celebrations. Its condition is immaculate as it would only be worn on extremely rare occasions. The "Tisek" is believed to possess the prophylactic powers to heal and avert the "evil eye", and as a result is a powerful talisman/amulet; silver is considered as the pure metal "blessed by the Prophet". The dark-colored carnelian stone has been skillfully set into a silver ring displaying fine craftmanship; a fine and delicate incised geometric pattern adorns all sides of the ring. Please feel free to address any inquiries that you may have. Buy with confidence! Visit My eBay Store: KAZAART to see similar items SHIPPING AND CONDITIONS OF SALE We ship Domestic, USA and Worldwide  CANADA Shipping will be via Xpresspost.  U.S.A. Air Mail will be used for small packages weighing up to 1 kg (2 1/2 lbs). Insurance is included for up to a maximum declared value of $100 and optional for any amount over and above. Items will only be insured at Buyer's request for an amount of up to $1000. Expedited Parcel USA or Xpresspost will be used for packages weighing over 1 kg (2 1/2 lbs) and/or of greater dimension. Insurance is included for up $100 and optional for any amount over and above. Items will only be insured at Buyer's request for an amount of up to $1000. A tracking number is provided and the expected delay for reception is between 4-10 business-days depending on your location in the USA and of the service used. We will not assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items. Duties/taxes if and where applicable, will be the sole responsibility of the Buyer. * Buyers are requested to provide a contact phone number which is to be included on the shipping forms. Kindly include this information with your payment to ensure an expedient service. INTERNATIONAL Air Mail will be used for small packages weighing up to 2kg. (4 1/2 lbs.) Insurance is included for up to a maximum declared value of $100 and optional for any amount over and above. Items will only be insured at Buyer's request for an amount of up to $1000. Xpresspost will be used for packages weighing over 2 kg (4 1/2 lbs) and up to a maximum weight of 30 kg (66 lbs.) Insurance is included for up $100 and optional for any amount over and above. Items will only be insured at Buyer's request for an amount of up to $1000. A tracking number is provided and the expected delay for reception is between 4-10 business days depending on your location. We will not assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items. Duties/taxes if and where applicable, will be the sole responsibility of the Buyer.  * Buyers are requested to provide a contact phone number which is to be included on the shipping forms, please include this information with your payment to ensure an expedient service. COMBINED SHIPPING We offer combined shipping for Buyers who purchase multiple items and NO handling fees will be charged and/or added to our shipping costs. Kindly contact us to make such arrangements prior to making your payment.  PAYMENT METHODS Payment via PAYPAL is preferred and recommended. Payment is expected within 5 days of acquiring the item(s). Please contact us if other arrangements are necessary.  INTERNATIONAL Buyers may contact us for additional details regarding other payment options.  PURCHASE POLICY The items we sell are to the very best of our expertise and educated knowledge to be as they are described. Should you have ANY questions with regards to condition, age or additional details, please email us prior to purchasing; all questions will be answered with pleasure to the best of our ability and capacity. Please make your purchase only if you are serious about paying for the item. Kindly note that our antique and old pieces may have imperfections, chips, age cracks and other minor irregularities. The item purchased by the Buyer is money-back guaranteed to be as described and we grant seven (7) days upon receipt of the item to validate that we have presented and described it as such. Should you decide to return the item, your purchase price will be gladly refunded once the item is returned to us, in its original condition, within 7 days of the initial delivery date. Please note that freight, shipping and other fees will be deducted from the paid amount prior to reimbursement. We look forward to doing business with you; please buy with confidence as we aim to keep you to as a satisfied and returning Client! KAZAART Place a Bid!