Antique Tuareg Assrou n Swoul. Dim. (28 cm x 8 cm).
The Facts
A genuine and old Tuareg robe
weight known as assrou n swoul (assrou n' swoul),
generally translated as
"
the key which is thrown over the shoulder
". The assrou n swoul is a highly prized and valued piece among
the collectors of Berber antiques
and jewellery. Items of this kind and quality are extremely rare. Tuareg blacksmiths, known
as inadan in
Tamazight ('Berber language'), are
well known for their fine metal-work and are among the best in the Sahara. This
elaborate key-like pendant is often worn by wealthier women as a counterweight
to keep their head-cloths or robes from being blown away by the Sahara's winds.Tuareg
women dress in black or indigo robes
and go about their business unveiled, unlike their husbands who must keep their
faces covered at all times, even while eating. The key (or the assrou) is hand-made,
using brass, copper, iron, silver
(or silver and nickel alloy) and wood; the method of laminating used is known
as the ‘sandwich technique’. It is a very lengthy process, requiring time and
special skills as those of Tuareg smiths. Compared with other similar pieces,
this key is of the highest quality, well balanced, neatly executed, masterly
engraved with fine Berber designs,
and truly unique. The patina on the wood clearly indicates that this piece was
well used and had a long history.
Specifications
Condition: the piece is in very
good original condition.
Dimensions: length: 28 cm; width:
8 cm; thickness: 1-3 mm, and 5-9 mm at protrusions;weight: 151 grams.
Materials: brass sandwiched to
iron, with copper overlay, and maybe silver or silver-nickel alloy,
and wood.
Period: unknown, but it could
be late 19th or early 20th century.
Classification: metal-work.
Source: private collection.
Interpretations
The above information is what
is currently widely known
about this rare object of Tuareg culture. This is a problem common
to most art forms, ancient and modern, where the intended meaning
of the work is often unclear or cannot be determined outright and
hence is usually interpreted in various ways by different critics
and art lovers. The Assrou
n Swoul undoubtedly employs a set of geometrical expressions of
Saharan culture, cleverly constructed to convey the basic fundamentals
of Tuareg art, in a very simple and yet a powerful way.
The elements used in this design are definitely the same as the
geometrical forms generally found in Berber carpets, prehistoric
art, tattoos, engravings and jewellery, and therefore to say that
this master piece of art was specifically constructed and
made only as a counterweight is an understatement which can only
express gross negligence and clear ignorance. It would have been
easier for the Tuareg smiths to mould a lump of iron and throw it
over the shoulder, if that was the only reason. It is like the neighbouring
Egyptian Ankh which many respected Egyptologists say is a sandal; maybe
they meant to say a
"scandal"
.
