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A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Mauritanian mizam ebony_1

Posted by Cordelia Donohoe on August 30, 2017 at 5:15pm
This is a pair of Mauritanian bangles, Ive only ever seen slimmer ones. Probably mid 20th C. Very much a pre Saharan style
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Tags: Mauritanian, bracelet, ebony, pair, silver
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  • Edith D September 13, 2017 at 10:55am
    Very pretty...there is a type of traditional Tunisian bracelet also made from ebony. How does one tell real ebony from other wood that has been stained a dark color? I would occasionally see "ebony" bangles for sale in Tunis, but could not tell if they were genuine. And considering that they were quite pricey, never purchased that type of bracelet.
  • Cordelia Donohoe September 18, 2017 at 3:51pm

    Well ebony is a very hard wood that does not float in water, making it ideal for ornaments and jewellery. It was often used in this sort of Mauritanian/Tuareg type of jewel so I am assuming it is ebony. 

  • Edith D September 18, 2017 at 4:08pm
    Ah! Thanks! So if I were to go back to Tunis, I assume that I could tell the real ebony by the density? I would be looking for wood that seemed heavy for its size? Someday I'll go back to that shop on Rue Habib Bourguiba that sells the ebony bracelets!!
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