The cross of the south
The cross of Agadez probably results from an Egyptian influence. There is a resemblance indeed with the Egyptian life cross named Ankh.
To the Moslem, the arms of the cross disperse the pain in four winds. According to the legend, the cross was a masculine attribute transmitted the father to father: " my son, I put back for you the four corners of the world, because no one can know in which the corner he died ". Then it is the women who seized these jewelries that have a strong symbolism:
- The circle represents the phallus, symbol of fertility.
- The eye of chameleon set the print of the jackal (Abagui in Tamahaq), the symbol of power and the trick.
- The variety of the shapes has of for origin: in the Bilma, Waggeur, Tahoua, Iferouan, Agadez, Barchekia, Tilya, Tachmert, Takadend, Zinder ...