Tuareg stone bracelet, West Africa

Elbow bracelet called “iwuki” or “aweyka”. It is a large ring carved in stone (or sometimes wood) worn by men above the elbow. It could be worn alone or with other similar bracelets. The stone is sourced in the Aïr desert.

It fell into disuse at the end of the 20th century except for the Fulani Bororo (woodabé), who borrowed them from the Tuareg and wear it frequently, still today.

Each shape has a different name.

Inner diameter: 8,5 cm

Literature:

“Bijoux tuaregs”, Burner, Jean, Éditions du Fournel, 2011, p. 254

WA125