The origin of these crosses is unknown. They could be a consequence of the Christian influence, but they could also come from ancient Egypt and Ethiopia where similar crosses have been found. Another possibility is the representation of the south cross constellation: a bright constellation present in the Saharan sky which the Tuareg use to find their way at night. This seems the most credible hypothesis.

A cross called Tchin Tabaraden, the city where the civil war in Niger was triggered in 1990.

See other crosses on the website "Niger arts" (Nigeran handworkers association) ()     Close