There are 21 Tuareg Crosses, each of which represents a Tuareg village or a region in Niger, Africa. They are not Christian or religious. The word "cross" is a term attributed by Europeans and is totally unrelated to the Tuareg spoken language, Tamahaq and written language, Tifinagh. They are made by Tuareg Inadan (blacksmiths).
Agadez is a market town in Niger, sub-sahara Africa. The Cross of Agadez is named after this village and is the most famous among the 21 symbols of the Tuareg. It is the archetype and the first of all the Tuareg Crosses. Some traditions say that it is give by the father to his sons when they are traveling or leaving home. They are worn for good luck and protection. There are many theories of where and when the Agadez cross began, as well as it's meaning. Chapter 9 in "The Art of Being Tuareg, Sahara Nomads in a World" While the cross of Agadez is the archetype of all the Tuareg crosses, the crosses of Iferwane, Ingal, Tahoua and Zinder are also considered authentic and original. All of the other crosses are derived and modified from these five.
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