Sudanese box pendant

A Sudanese box pendant worn by the women of the Rashaida nomads who live in the border regions between Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia. The Rashaida moved to the Horn of Africa about 150 years ago from the Arabian peninsula and heavy ornamentation of their clothing and jewellery reflects their Arabian roots. These box pendants were used to hold a verse from the Koran for protection inside the hollow box. This particular box pendant comprises red glass which was highly valued for its intensity of colour and chains and hollow ball dangles, all hand made.
Height: approx 7.5 cm / 3 inches
Width: 8 cm / 3 inches