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This a fabulous example of a "Poor Man's" Tuareg pendant or prayer box known as a "Tcherot". Instead of being made of silver, this Tcherot is made of a tin or aluminium compound, with a heavily weathered brass/copper backing. While the age of Tuareg pieces is always difficult to estimate, this is an old piece that has clearly seen use.
The piece actually has quite a bit of depth, with three raised rectangles forming a pyramid-like structure. On top of the pyramid are a series of small spheres, that symbalize the "good eye", which is a traditional means of warding off the evil eye. To counteract the "evil eye", the Tuareg call upon the power of the "good eye." Tcherots also often contain Koranic verses or magical inscriptions that serve to protect the Tuareg from the malevolent power of the desert.
This Tcherot measures 2.2 inches wide (56.2 mm) x 2.6 inches high (66.7 mm). The total depth, including the center sphere, is approximately 0.83 inches (21 mm).
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