Khômeissa - Tuareg - Mali (No reserve price)






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Khômeissa, Mali, Touareg traditional leather travel pouch with a large metal pendant and a leather case concealing a small engraved brass container for kohl, overall 93 cm long and weighing 250 g, in good condition and authentic/original.
Description from the seller
This traditional ornamental and utilitarian set testifies to the remarkable craftsmanship of nomadic artisans from the Tuareg culture of the Saharan Africa. The central piece consists of a travel pouch or satchel called khomeissa, crafted from supple cut leather, hand-embroidered and enhanced with green and red pigments. It is topped by a large metal pectoral pendant engraved with geometric motifs and adorned with small riveted cabochons typical of desert metalwork. The set also includes a carved leather case concealing a small engraved brass vessel intended to hold traditional khôl and its applicator. The object features an impressive total length of 93 cm and weighs 250 g, suspended by a wide braided leather cord embellished with fringes and tassels. The patina of the leather darkened by time, the natural wear of the green pigments, and the gentle oxidation of the metal surfaces indicate highly authentic manual craftsmanship dating from the first half or mid-20th century. The set remains in good overall condition, showing normal signs of wear and slight fraying on the straps that nicely attest to its Saharan journeys.
This traditional ornamental and utilitarian set testifies to the remarkable craftsmanship of nomadic artisans from the Tuareg culture of the Saharan Africa. The central piece consists of a travel pouch or satchel called khomeissa, crafted from supple cut leather, hand-embroidered and enhanced with green and red pigments. It is topped by a large metal pectoral pendant engraved with geometric motifs and adorned with small riveted cabochons typical of desert metalwork. The set also includes a carved leather case concealing a small engraved brass vessel intended to hold traditional khôl and its applicator. The object features an impressive total length of 93 cm and weighs 250 g, suspended by a wide braided leather cord embellished with fringes and tassels. The patina of the leather darkened by time, the natural wear of the green pigments, and the gentle oxidation of the metal surfaces indicate highly authentic manual craftsmanship dating from the first half or mid-20th century. The set remains in good overall condition, showing normal signs of wear and slight fraying on the straps that nicely attest to its Saharan journeys.
