Pendant (Chamaisa) c. 20th century

This Chamaisa pendant, crafted by the Tuareg people, features geometric symbols inlaid in metal and leather, echoing ancient protective emblems. The triangle, pointing both upward and downward, appears repeatedly, a form found across cultures from antiquity, symbolizing the unity of opposing forces like earth and sky. Consider the eye, too, often represented abstractly within geometric shapes, a potent ward against the evil gaze. These symbols are not static; they evolve. The protective eye, for instance, can be traced back to ancient Egypt's Eye of Horus, morphing through millennia and migrations. This metamorphosis reveals a profound, subconscious human drive to guard against unseen threats. The Chamaisa serves not only as adornment but also as a powerful talisman. Its symbols, laden with historical weight and collective fears, tap into deep-seated emotions, offering comfort and protection. As these forms resurface and adapt, they illustrate the enduring quest to visualize and manage the invisible forces shaping our lives.