Tuareg ring - Silver - North Africa - Early 20th century

Ottoman archer’s ring (Zihgir) in solid silver – North African provincial style, 20th century.

Description:
An exceptional and authentic traditional archer’s ring, known as a Zihgir, dating from the early 20th century. This military and ceremonial object bears witness to the Ottoman Empire’s strong influence on the regencies of North Africa.
Its asymmetrical “teardrop” shape, fitted with a protective tab and a shaped rim that serves as a trigger, is specifically designed for the traditional Eastern thumb-draw technique.
This model stands out for its remarkable cultural fusion: while its structure is purely Ottoman, its hand-chiselled geometric decoration, composed of vertical lines and chevron (sawtooth) motifs, reflects the style and craftsmanship of North African silversmiths of the period.
The inside of the ring features a characteristic central diamond-shaped recess and a rough surface, incontrovertible evidence of an old-fashioned artisanal lost-wax casting method. The piece has a superb patina of use, with natural oxidation nestled in the engravings, preserving its full authenticity.

Object details:
• Object type: Archer’s ring / Zihgir / Islamic militaria
• Material: High-purity solid silver (tested positive on a touchstone)
• Period: 20th century (late Ottoman period)
• Geographical origin: North Africa (Regency of Algiers, Tunis, or Tripoli)
• Substantial weight: 18.3 grams
• Dimensions (inside diameter): ~21.5 mm to 21.8 mm (equivalent to French ring size 68, ideal for traditional thumb wear)
• Condition: Good overall condition. Natural wear and softening of the outer reliefs due to friction from the bowstring and the passage of time. No restoration; the piece remains in its original condition.

From a private collection, legally purchased online.

A rare piece of military history on the market, ideal for collectors of Islamic art and traditional archery.