This is a lovely sterling silver Tuareg prayer box, known as a Tcherot.  The piece is newly made, and signed by the artist on the back.  The central peak of the Tcherot is layered silver and ebony, and the decorations on the piece are traditional Tuareg etching.  Tcherots such as this one often contain Koranic verses or magical inscriptions that serve to protect the Tuareg from the malevolent power of the desert.  

The pendant is strung in the traditional Tuareg fashion, with a multi-strand cord, leather "beads" across the top, and tassels hanging down the side.  It would be easy to cut the cord and use the pendant in your own creations, or wear it as is.  This Tcherot measures approximately 2 3/4 inches square.  The cord measures approximately 30 inches.      

The raised rectangles forms a small pyramid-like structure. On top of the pyramid is a small silver sphere, that symbalizes the "good eye", which is a traditional means of warding off the evil eye.  The spheres around the edges likewise symbolize the four cardinal directions.