Beauty from Rajasthan - Abhirushi, which quite fittingly means "beautiful" in Rajasthan, is a nomad. She is wearing beautiful traditional jewellery – but would it be so beautiful without the brightness of her smile and the fineness of her eyes? (Region of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India) - 1990

Sea shell pendant, the convex surface of which is set with more than 340 turquoise pieces with a single red shell piece set in the center. Diameter: 3.64 inches. Mogollon Culture, ASM.
ASM = Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson (Arizona)

Round copper disk, divided into eight sections, with geometric designs, perhaps stylized feathers. The disk may have been fastened to a piece of clothing. Diameter: 9.68 inches. Casas Grandes (Mexico), AFM. Copper items reached the Southwest through trade channels starting in the 10th century. They were exchanged for pottery and turquoise and are most commonly found in Hohokam and Anasazi sites.
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

From left (without arm clasp): Small copper bells which were used during religious ceremonies; diameters range from 1 to 1.28 inches. - Copper pendant, 2.16 inches high, weight .385 ounces. - Copper disk, perhaps a pendant, 1.78 inches diameter, .02 inches thick. - Copper axe with two holes and a haft set at 3/4 of its length. Length: 5.12 inches. Casas Grandes (Mexico), AFM.
AFM = Amerind Foundation Museum, Dragoon (Arizona)

Pendants made of jet with turquoise insets, Anasazi Culture, UCM
UCM = University of Colorado Museum, Boulder (Colorado)

Two necklaces; the smaller one with turquoise stones was found wrapped around the wrist of a child, Sinagua Culture; the longer necklace is 9.6 inches and consists of about 236 stones (one in the shape of a bird). Mogollon Culture. Noseplug of blue-green travertine. Length: 1.6 inches. Sinagua Culture, MNA.
MNA = Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff (Arizona)

Party outfit
When Bardaï is celebrating, the Toubou women dress in their most beautiful attire, and the silver jewels, sometimes gold, blaze in the sun.
Chad - Bardaï - 1968

Malem
The malem is the master of the fire, the blacksmith. These artisans produce silver jewelery, weapons or camel harnesses. Here, the malem finishes a woman's bracelet.
Niger - Agadés - 1968

Fashion and tradition
Young woman of the Kanouri ethnic group in the Kaouar region, Tenere (Niger). Look at the traditional silver ring with the motif of a snake biting its tail. The hair braids are redone once a month. To make them shine, fat or oil is added. And always, as here on her forehead, you will find the inevitable black flies that spoil everyday life in the Sahara.
Niger - Séguédine - 1968

Long live the bride
The pectoral pendant is the centrepiece of the adornment of a woman on the day of her marriage. Around the neck, she wears a collar formed by cloves. The scent that emerges is very appreciated among women.
Algeria - Illizi - 1967

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Précieuse parure de momie d'un tombeau antique de Larache, au nord du Chili, datée d'environ 1.000 av. J.-C. par le Père Le Paige. Deux colliers, l'un en rondelles de turquoises, l'autre en petits tubes de lapis-lazuli, entourent une plaque pectorale en or, une grosse turquoise et quatre clochettes d'or, entre deux «plumes» d'or ajourées. (Museo de San Pedro de Atacama, Chili.)

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Souvenir de la conquête inca en Equateur, ce bracelet d'argent haut de 11cm et 10,5 centimètres, figure an Museo del Banco central de Quito, Equateur.

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Souvenir de la conquête inca en Equateur, ce bracelet d'argent haut de 10,5 centimètres, figure an Museo del Banco central de Quito, Equateur.

Inca / Colonial - glass necklace - Regional Museum of Ica - 1976

Bangle, pin and earrings of the Chimú culture - Private collection - 1969

Gold and silver cast brooch of the Chimú Lambayeque culture - hammered and embossed work - with shells and earrings in turquoise - 12th century - Height 4.5 cm, weight 7 g - Museo Arqueológico Brünning - Lambayeque - 1976

Vicus-Frías culture - golden hair remover - 20 carats - weight 41,5 g - height 13 cm - Museo "Oro del Perú" Miguel Mujica Gallo - Lima - 1977

An Indian woman from the province of Neuquén. She belongs to the Araucaniens, who live on both sides of the border between Argentina and Chile. The silver jewellery worn by the women of this ethnic group is remarkable. - 1973

This elaborate necklace is made by the Guaymí Indians who live in the northwest of Panama. - 1977

These Cuna women chat at the entrance to their house, where they are protected from the sun's rays. The Indian women love jewellery. Apart from the small gold-plated nose ring, they also wear tight-fitting bands of coral beads on their arms and ankles. On the wall of the house hang various coloured and richly decorated molas, the main product of the Cuna women's handicrafts. In the society of their matriarchal group, women play a considerable role. The onset of puberty of the daughters, for example, is an important event and the occasion for a lively celebration in which all members of the community participate. The puberty of the boys, on the other hand, takes place without any fuss. The young husband lives in his wife's house and has to help his parents-in-law. - 1977

Young Cuna Indian girl from the San Blas archipelago wearing a small gold ring on her nose. These indigenous people form an ethnic group of about twenty-five thousand people. They are a very homogeneous group whose representatives are extremely proud of their culture, whether it be language, customs or beliefs. This does not prevent the Cuna, who are highly intelligent, from being attentive to everything that is happening in the world. Many of them work outside as teachers, doctors, lawyers or artists. Each Cuna community is headed by a chief, who reports to one of the three main caciques of the region. The responsibilities of the latter extend to all the representatives of the ethnic group. A daily meeting of the members of the community allows everyone to speak and express their opinions and judgements on the most diverse problems that the natives have to face. A more democratic system of government could not be imagined!

Young Cuna Indian woman from the San Blas archipelago. She wears a small gold ring on her nose. These indigenous people form a nation of about 25 000 people. They are a very unified group whose members are exceptionally proud of their culture, language, customs and beliefs. Each Cuna community has a leader, who in turn is under the command of one of the three main caciques of the region. The responsibility of the caciques encompasses the entire ethnic community. The daily meeting of the members of the community allows everyone to speak, present their views and express their opinions on the various issues facing the indigenous people. A more democratic system of government could not be imagined! - 1977

A Cuna woman washing on a flat wooden trough. - 1977

Young Cuna Indian woman from the San Blas archipelago. She wears a small gold ring on her nose. These indigenous people form a nation of about 25 000 people. They are a very unified group whose members are exceptionally proud of their culture, language, customs and beliefs. Each Cuna community has a leader, who in turn is under the command of one of the three main caciques of the region. The responsibility of the caciques encompasses the entire ethnic community. The daily meeting of the members of the community allows everyone to speak, present their views and express their opinions on the various issues facing the indigenous people. A more democratic system of government could not be imagined! - 1977

The Cuna woman is engaged in the manufacture of her clothing, namely the well-known cotton blouse (mola). She works under a tree or at the entrance of her home, sheltered from the sun. The Indian woman likes to cover herself with ornaments. She wears a small golden metal ring on her nose. On her arms and ankles she wears tightly fitted bracelets made of coral beads. While her husband fishes, hunts or works in one of the crop fields he owns on the mainland, the Cuna woman stays at home and performs a multitude of domestic tasks. She plays a considerable role in the society of her clan, which has a matriarchal structure. Thus, the puberty of girls is a very important event and is the pretext for a lively celebration in which all members of the community participate; in contrast, the puberty of boys goes unnoticed. It is also the case that the young husband will live in his wife's home, having to assist his parents-in-law in all circumstances. - 1977

Tuareg woman from the Dag Rali tribe in the Hoggar. Around her neck, apart from the simple necklaces, she wears a pendant of 14 silver, faceted diamonds attached to a leather base. Underneath is an amulet with geometric ornaments. It encloses a Koran verse and is typical of Berber art. - Algeria - 1966

The preparation and tasting of green tea represent the most uniformly performed rite in the whole expanse of the Sahara, where coffee is practically unknown. There is an "etiquette of tea", and the way it is prepared and drunk is followed with a critical eye by the Tuareg. The Targuia of Illizi, Tassili n' Ajjer, stands out as much for the nobility of her bearing as the delicacy of her features. The Berber ancestry is very clear here. All the jewellery she wears is made of silver. The wealth of this "big tent" woman would undoubtedly allow her to own gold, but this metal is said to attract the evil eye. The Tuareg are extremely superstitious. - Algeria - 1966

Feminine adornment. The silver chest pendant is the jewel in a woman's outfit on her wedding day. Its composition and ornaments are always the same. Around the neck: a kind of necklace composed of cloves, whose fragrance is much appreciated by women. - Algeria - 1966

Feminine adornment. The silver chest pendant is the jewel in a woman's outfit on her wedding day. Its composition and ornaments are always the same. - Djanet - Algeria - 1962

Fadhi, the daughter of Philippon, in a festive costume - Djanet - Algeria - 1969

When it is festival time in Bardaï, the women adorn themselves with their most beautiful finery and become brightly coloured dolls. The silver, sometimes gold, jewellery flares in the sun. The Toubou woman is beautiful, the facial features and fine physique suggest a Mediterranean rather than a Negroid type. - Bardaï - Tibesti - Chad - 1967

Foot bracelets. These silver jewels are the work of blacksmiths. Both feared and despised by the nomads and the sedentary people living in the desert, the blacksmith or malem belongs to a special caste. He masters fire and material, fashioning jewellery as well as weapons or the metal parts that make up the harness of camels. - Bardaï - Tibesti - Chad - 1967

When it is festival time in Bardaï, the women adorn themselves with their most beautiful finery and become brightly coloured dolls. The silver, sometimes gold, jewellery flares in the sun. The Toubou woman is beautiful, the facial features and fine physique suggest a Mediterranean rather than a Negroid type. - Bardaï - Tibesti - Chad - 1967

In Bardaï, the wife of a blacksmith takes part in the festival with her most beautiful ornaments and dances late into the night. - Bardaï - Tibesti - Chad - 1967

Galli, a young Toubou woman from Bardaï, is the soul of the parties that are improvised in the shade of the palm trees. She goes from house to house and gathers her friends to dance. The fabrics she wears come from the Fezzan with the camions that supply most of the Tibesti oases. - Bardaï - Tibesti - Chad - 1967

On the night of Tibesti, a wedding is celebrated. The women dance in a circle; the blacksmith sings the love songs that the young girls take up; intoxicated with joy, he beats his drum. The men look on in admiration and try to establish future kinships. - Bardaï - Tibesti - Chad - 1967

Young Tubu woman in the Maman Delaï camp near Chirfa in Djado - Niger - 1968

In Chirfa in eastern Niger, Indi Kouarodo shows us a different pattern of African beauty. The rich ornamentation of her garment comes from nearby Libya. - Djado - Niger - 1968

«Modern» Tuareg woman in the streets of Agadez. The coloured umbrella protects from the sun and gives great dignity. – Niger - 1966

Jewellery is a feature of the Neolithic in the Sahara, for the older industries had been entirely focused on utility value. Lip pegs of various shapes and sizes may be joined by buttons for the ears and beads that could be sling stones. An astonishing variety of pendants of an obviously magical character complete the magnificent ensemble, which testifies to a high sense of art. (IFAN Collection, Dakar, Senegal.) – 1969

A Fula woman adorned with rich jewelry from Boré, located in the Mopti area. - Mali - 1969

A young girl from the Gourma region, Mali, offers milk in a calabash. The nomads have not adopted pottery, which is too fragile for transport purposes. However, they know how to boil liquids in a simple skin bag stretched over a wooden hoop by throwing heated stones into it. The consistency of the forms from prehistoric times to the present day is admirable. - Mali - 1969

These girls are a splendid example of the Fula tribe found between Douentza and Hombori in Mali. The graceful harmony of the fine features, illuminated by an intelligent smile, is remarkable. The Fulbe belong to the large family of the Peul. - Mali - 1969

This girl is a splendid example of the Fulbe tribe found between Douentza and Hombori in Mali. The graceful harmony of the fine features, illuminated by an intelligent smile, are remarkable. The Fulbe belong to the large family of the Peul. - Mali - 1969

Young woman from the town of Hombori, which lies between Mopti and Gao on the edge of the Hombori-Tondo table mountain. This area is inhabited by the Gurma tribe. - Mali - 1969

A young Fula woman at the well of Tébaram, located in an area where agropastoralism is predominant. - Niger - 1970

At the well of Ekisman - Early practice for those who want to become a real shepherdess. - Niger - 1970

The irreproachability of their bearing stems partly from the fact that they learn very early to carry heavy loads on their heads. Typical of their breed, apart from the graceful gesture of this Bororo carrier, are the very large eyes, the delicacy of the mouth and the rather oriental imprint of the head. The ears, pierced all along the rim by many holes, allow to wear amazing amounts of silver rings. - Fountain of Eskiman - Niger - 1970

The irreproachability of their bearing stems partly from the fact that they learn very early to carry heavy loads on their heads. Typical of their breed, apart from the graceful gesture of this Bororo carrier, are the very large eyes, the delicacy of the mouth and the rather oriental imprint of the head. The ears, pierced all along the rim by many holes, allow to wear amazing amounts of silver rings. Two cords serve to hold two different collections of amulets, to which . . . Safety pins are added! The chignon, worn over the forehead, recalls the Phrygian hairstyle of figures in rock paintings in the Tassili. - Fountain of Eskiman - Niger - 1970

Mariam is a Peul Bororo woman. The Bororo tribe is fundamentally animistic and forms an endogamous society. Marriages are therefore necessarily within the group, so the Bororo consider themselves the "purest" of the Peulh. - Eskiman well - Niger - 1970

The woman plays a very important role in the society of the Peul (Fula), and she has a lot of freedom, but she also respects the customs of her race that have come down to her from the ancestors. - Eskiman well - Niger - 1970

Who radiates more joie de vivre than this young Bororo woman? Typical of her costume are the small bodice that leaves part of the body uncovered, the heavy earrings, the amulets worn on the chest. Married for two years, this peul woman still has no child, for these prudent, balanced people have been practising a kind of birth control for a very long time, with the virtue of the simple having the greatest effect. The woman plays a very important role in the society of the Peul (Fula), and she has a lot of freedom, but she also respects the customs of her race that have come down to her from the ancestors. - Eskiman well - Niger - 1970

This young girl from the Peul-Bororo people, photographed near the well of Ekisman, may be descended from distant relatives on the upper reaches of the Nile. - Niger - 1970

Hands of a nomad woman with traditional Tuareg jewellery on indigo fabric in the background - Oued Timia - Niger - Aïr - 1992

This young woman from the Jodhpur area is wearing the traditional jewellery and clothing characteristic of the nomadic communities in this region. The numerous white rings on her upper and lower arms are known as churas. In many Rajasthani tribes, married women wear this jewellery, which was traditionally made of ivory or bone and is now mostly made of plastic. Her facial jewellery includes a striking nose ring (nath) and an elaborate headband (matha patti). The heavy necklaces with green beads and large metal pendants are typical examples of the region’s tribal-style silver jewellery. – Jodhpur area – 1990

A woman is performing the ritual known as ‘threshing’, in which grain (such as millet or wheat) is thrown into the air so that the wind separates the lighter chaff from the heavier grains. The woman is wearing many bracelets, which are an essential status symbol for married women in Rajasthan. Wearing many bracelets – particularly those made of materials such as coloured glass, clay or the traditional lac (resin) – indicates that a woman is married and symbolically serves to ensure her husband’s protection, health and long life. – Jodhpur area – 1990

A woman from Khuri in Rajasthan. Her appearance is deeply rooted in the traditions of the local nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes. The yellow-green headscarf (odhani) protects her from the intense desert sun and is an essential part of the traditional women’s costume. The golden nose ring (nath) with small decorations is a classic feature of married women in rural areas of Rajasthan. She wears heavy, layered necklaces, including yellow pearl necklaces and silver amulets, which often serve as protective symbols. On her arms are the characteristic white bangles, traditionally made of ivory (nowadays mostly plastic). The red dot on her forehead has spiritual significance and often symbolises the ‘third eye’ or her married status. – 1990

A woman from Khuri in Rajasthan. Her appearance is deeply rooted in the traditions of the local nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes. The yellow-green headscarf (odhani) protects her from the intense desert sun and is an essential part of the traditional women’s costume. The golden nose ring (nath) with small decorations is a classic feature of married women in rural areas of Rajasthan. She wears heavy, layered necklaces, including yellow pearl necklaces and silver amulets, which often serve as protective symbols. The red dot on her forehead has spiritual significance and often symbolises the ‘third eye’ or her married status. – 1990

This portrait depicts a girl named Ambu from Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. The name of this desert means ‘the land of the dead’. Yet life thrives there nonetheless, for the girl’s name means ‘water’ – a symbol of hope for a fruitful future. Ambu wears a striking, beaded headband in yellow and red, with a round, golden decorative button attached at the front. Traditional golden earrings hang from her ears, featuring delicate filigree patterns and small green accent beads at the bottom. A red dot (bindi) is applied to her forehead. Her eyes are heavily outlined and emphasised with traditional dark kohl. – 1990

The nomad Barbati in traditional, colourful festive dress. The striking pink veil covers her head and is often artfully draped over her shoulders. On her forearms she wears stacked, wide bangles in the traditional colours of white, red and blue, typically made from imitation ivory, plastic or glass. A delicate, traditional tattoo pattern can be seen on the back of her hand. – Jaisalmer – 1990

This portrait of the nomad Barbati is characterised by a wealth of symbolic and ornate jewellery: on her forehead, just beneath her veil, she wears a round, bell-shaped ornament. This piece of jewellery is typical of married women in Rajasthan. A large, delicately crafted nose ring, attached to the hair or behind the ear with a fine chain (often studded with pearls). It is traditionally regarded as a sign of marital status. – Jaisalmer – 1990

The bright pink veil worn by the nomad Barbati covers her hair and is typical of women from the region around Jaisalmer. It serves both as protection from the sun and as a sign of respect. The striking, round ornament on her forehead is a traditional hairpiece often worn by married women in Rajasthan. The large, elaborately decorated golden nose ring is connected to the earrings or her hair by a delicate chain. She wears a bindi on her forehead. Her neck is adorned with several heavy, traditional necklaces (some decorated with coins). – 1990

The bright pink veil worn by the nomad Barbati covers her hair and is typical of women from the region around Jaisalmer. It serves both as protection from the sun and as a sign of respect. The striking, round ornament on her forehead is a traditional hairpiece often worn by married women in Rajasthan. The large, elaborately decorated golden nose ring is connected to the earrings or her hair by a delicate chain. She wears a bindi on her forehead. – 1990

Barbati, a nomad from the Thar Desert, makes chapati, the flatbread known in various forms throughout the Near East. She kneads flour, salt and water into a smooth dough, which she shapes into a round disc between her hands, much like a pizza chef, and then cooks in a pan, turning it several times. – 1990

Barbati, a nomad, is preparing dough outdoors whilst wearing her traditional Indian attire. She is dressed in a colourful ensemble consisting of a dark top and skirt with a floral pattern, as well as a bright pink veil (dupatta or odhni) covering her head. Her jewellery is very striking and includes several necklaces (including one with coin pendants), bangles on both wrists, earrings and traditional headdresses. In front of her stands a clay bowl containing dough, and she is currently shaping a ball of dough with her hands. Next to the bowl is a small bottle of oil. – Jaisalmer region – 1990

Barbati, a nomad, is preparing dough outdoors whilst wearing her traditional Indian attire. She is dressed in a colourful ensemble consisting of a dark top and skirt with a floral pattern, as well as a bright pink veil (dupatta or odhni) covering her head. Her jewellery is very striking and includes several necklaces (including one with coin pendants), bangles on both wrists, earrings and traditional headdresses. In front of her stands a clay bowl containing dough, and she is currently shaping a chapati with her hands. Next to the bowl is a small bottle of oil. – Jaisalmer region – 1990

Making dough for flatbreads is a daily ritual in almost every Indian household. The everyday, unleavened flatbread chapati is made from whole wheat flour (atta) and water. Preparation: Flour and water are mixed in a shallow bowl (often made of clay, brass, or wood, called a parat) and kneaded vigorously until a smooth dough forms. This is divided into small, uniform balls and rolled between the palms of the hands. The balls are either rolled flat with a rolling pin (belan) or flattened by hand. The bread is baked directly in the embers. – Jaisalmer region – 1990

Portrait of a young Indian woman in traditional clothing from the Jaisalmer region. Her style of dress and jewelry reflect India’s rural culture. She wears a striped top (choli) paired with a red, patterned skirt (ghaghra) and a matching headscarf (odhni or dupatta). On her wrist, she wears numerous light green glass bangles as well as a wide silver bracelet. Her face is adorned with traditional earrings (jhumkas) and a delicate nose ring (nath). – 1990

A golden breast ornament from the Tolima culture, Colombia, depicting a bird-human hybrid with an openwork central section and an anchor-like base (10.5 x 19.2 cm, 184 g). Museo del Oro, Bogotá, Colombia. - Book: Picture 63 - Colombia - 1973

The Saraguro in the province of Loja, Ecuador. The topos – the pins used by Saraguro women to fasten their ponchos – are unique to this tribe in that they feature a sun-shaped head. In Peru, they are spoon-shaped. - Book: Picture 37 - Ecuador - 1977

An Araucanian woman wearing the characteristic silver jewellery from the Temuco region, Cautín Province, Chile. Following the conquest of the Chilean territories by Pedro de Valdivia around 1550, the warlike Araucanians had led all uprisings against foreign rule, and under their leader Lautaro, the Indigenous armies even marched on the capital after liberating the southern territories. The attack was repelled, but the heartland of the Araucanians remained de facto independent until around 1800. - Book: Picture 194 - Chile - 1973

An Araucanian woman wearing the characteristic silver headdress whilst weaving. Temuco region, Cautín Province, Chile. - Book: Picture 140 - Chile - 1973

Photo Gallery