Pendant (Chamaisa) c. 20th century

This is a Pendant (Chamaisa), made by a Tuareg artisan. The combination of metal and leather is striking. It's like they’re playing with hard and soft, shiny and matte. The triangles that compose the body are arranged in a repeating pattern, almost like a digital mosaic. Look closely at the metalwork. Each little square is raised, with a tiny sphere fixed in the middle. They catch the light in a way that is both subtle and assertive. It's a testament to the maker’s skill, to create such precise forms. It reminds me of the work of Anni Albers, who also explored geometric abstraction using unconventional materials. Both artists shared a vision that embraced simplicity and complexity. It makes you consider how art can be found in the everyday. And how the process of making can be a form of thinking.