January 30th Artist Reception & Trunk Show

The Koumama Family Nomads until the 1970's the Koumamas belong to a Tuareg subclass called Inadan (people who work with fire and metals - blacksmiths). Until his 2004 death, Mohamed Koumama led the family. One of the most famous Tuareg silversmiths, he trained his sons including Elhadji, and extended family in the craft as his forefathers did for over a thousand years. This jewelry here is made by men related to the late Mohamed Koumama by blood or marriage. The ninth child,
Elhadji, is now the family patriarch.

Tuareg Silversmiths using only simple hand tools and implements that could be easily transported on camels, Tuareg craftsmen have plied their trade for centuries. Traditionally semi-nomadic, some call Tuaregs the "Blue People" due to the indigo used to dye men's deep blue tagelmusts (turbans). The romantic image of tall regal men in flowing robes with only eyes visible riding great white camels is true - but only a fraction of the Tuareg story.