Necklace with pendant (khomessa)
Maker: Saidi Oumba, Tuareg
Medium:Agate stone beads, silver
Geography: Niamey, Niger
Date: 2001
Dimensions:27.5 x 6 x 0.8 cm
Object number: 2012.90.72
Credit Line: This acquisition was made possible with the generous support of the Louise Hawley Stone Charitable Trust
DescriptionA necklace made from black stone beads interspersed with three silver beads and two tubular silver beads on both sides of of the central pendant. The pendant is constructed from five lozenge shaped facets and one large triangular shaped facet which loops over the necklace. Each of these facets is engraved with geometric designs. The back has little geometric engraving and an inscription in tifinar. This amulet, called khomessa, does not contain Koranic verses but is considered powerful in and of itself. Its name refers to the number five, which symbolizes the hand of Fatima, a potent amulet against evil eye.
