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19th century Touareg sugar shears

Brasswork is considered among the oldest activities in Algeria, dating back to the Middle Ages. During the Ottoman period, Algerian know-how was enriched with patterns and techniques. The manufacturing of Algerian brassware is centered in large cities in Algeria such as Algiers, Tlemcen, Constantine, and in the Sahara, Ghardaïa and Tindouf (Tuareg) especially. Necessary for daily life, copper objects are designed for a utilitarian purpose and decorated with patterns that signify their local beliefs, which explain the presence of a great civilization in Algeria. Sugar shears - Tuareg - 19th century: The sugar shears or tongs were used by the Tuareg to cut sugar into pieces. It is made of metal, decorated with copper plates.