Featured Silver & agate ring

I found this unusual, large, heavy ring today. The metal tests as slightly over 70% silver, and the orange stone appears to be agate. The ring has a north African look to it, at least to my eyes. Does anyone recognize it? I would love to know where it comes from and how old it might be. The seller said it had been in their family for generations, but these stories aren’t always reliable!

 

Doesn't look old to me at all.

 

Interesting ring. Has like a fantasy ‘magic like’ vibe to it.

 

I was sent a link to this page:

https://www.beadstore.com/products/...5ju0RoK4yOC9ZkSUopuSMF79hsYSkSXf_U7NfQIodor1c

Looks pretty similar!

 

I believe it's Taureg. I can't speak to the age though as they use a lot of traditional designs up to today.

 

Interesting....Looks like it could also make a self defense weapon!!!

 

Tuareg is the correct word, if it helps.

Paging @Any Jewelry

 

Yes it is. Pronounced as Too-ah-reg. Sort of...
It is beautiful. It is called a 'tanfouk', a hair ring. These rings were attached to strands of hair, but could also be worn on strings, along with Tuareg crosses. The agate/carnelian part was made in Idar Oberstein, Germany, and exported to North Africa.

 

Tuareg woman wearing different types of tanfouk:

 

This lovely lady is wearing tanfouk both in her hair and on a cord that holds her veil in place:

 

Thank you for the great information, and the photos! Do you think my tanfouk has any age to it?

 

I could never live there! I would tread getting dressed in the morning! I am strictly wash and let dry.

 

I think it is late 20th century, when some tanfouks got more elaborate.
There is some influence of hair jewellery worn by other Amazigh or Berber groups. If I have a photo of that type I'll post it here as well.

The Tuareg are part of the larger Amazigh or Berber people, who are related to Europeans rather than to Sub-Saharan Africans.