Tuareg Crosses Large Pet Bowl

The 21 crosses of the Tuareg adorn this pet bowl, perfect for North African dog breeds like the Azawakh or Sloughi. About the Tuareg Cross: The Tuareg people live in the central part of the Sahara Desert. Amulets and talismans are regarded as highly important instruments of protection against supernatural, evil forces and spirits. Every Tuareg has an amulet or a talisman, and the Tuareg Cross is one of the most recognisable. The history of the Tuareg Cross is shrouded in mystery, but they number twenty-one, each with a distinct form and representing a certain clan or area. The only exception is the Karaga Cross, which is inspired by the typical Tuareg bed. What we do know is that the word "cross" does not actually exist in the Tuareg language; it is a term attributed to it by Europeans. The Tuareg Crosses do not represent Christianity, and although used by some Muslims they also do not represent Islam. The Tuareg themselves use the word tanaghilt (wearable/attachable metal) or talkahim (decorative pendant). The first and oldest cross is the Agadez, but the Iferouane, Tahoua, Zinder, and Ingall are all considered old and it is from these crosses that the rest originate. Tuareg crosses were passed down from father to son with the words, "I give you the four corners of the world, because one cannot know where one will die". The four arms of the Cross purportedly symbolise the four cardinal directions, protecting you wherever you go in the vast desert region.