Mauritania Silver Anklet

Engraved & Enamelled Silver Anklet (Kahlkahl)

Strictly an anklet, this piece could be worn on the upper arm or over a sleeve as a bracelet (probably it is too big to be worn as a bracelet conventionally). Cast from silver and then engraved and enamelled, it is a type of anklet made in the Mederdra region of Mauritania. Traditionally, wearing such anklets was the prerogative of noble women from the Beidane people.

The anklet comrises a broad, pierced band terminating with a large applied silver sphere at each end. The bezel or frontpiece is rectangular with applied spheres and engraving work that has red enamel highlights.

The central ‘bullseye’ motif is to keep the ‘evil’ eye away.

A similar example is illustrated in van Cutsem (2002, p. 35). Others are in Borel (1994, p. 1994).

The example here has a superb patina and very obvious wear and age.