Salaams All Note to Library; Members may be puzzled that a womens jewellery design or an item of womens Jewellery could be used on a mans item such as a sword...however...
The Southern Cross from Agades or Iferwan was originally worn
only by men who transferred it from father to son at puberty. It hints to the virility and strength of the young men in relation to their traditional nomad lifestyle. The cross represents the saddle pommel of their camels or in a wider view, the four cardinal directions.
Traditionally a father would transmit the cross to his son saying "Son, I give you the four directions, as no one knows where your path will end."
And.... Each Tuareg village has its own Agadez or Southern Cross. There are 21 distinct crosses that have been documented to identify the Tuareg tribal groups of Northern Niger viewable below and on
http://www.raken.com/info/eng/historique/touareg.asp
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.
