This is a complete set of big fibulae from Tiznit – Tafraoute, worn by Amazzigh/Berber women. They are made of High-grade silver and enamel, with glass settings. It is in very good condition and all elements are original.
Both fibulae were cut from a sheet of silver and then etched with fine decoration and enamel. The chains linking both fibulae are also decorated with enamel and glass and some coins with a glass cabochons hangs from the chain.
The central element is an amulet box or herz and, there’s a decorated hook that was attached to the clothes to lighten the weight of the set. Both the herz and the hook are enamel and inset with glass.
From the first half of the 20th century.
Provenance: private German collection.
Dimensions:
Each fibula (with the needle): H 27 x W 16,5 cm
total length from end to end: 86 cm
Size of central pendant (with coins): 11,5 x 5 cm
Weight 795 gr.
References:
“Les fibules, deux mille ans en Afrique du N”, Rabaté. Marie-Rose, ACR Edition, 2013
“Bijoux du Marroc. Du Haut Atlas à la Vallée du Draa”, Rabaté, Marie-rose et Jacques, Edisuc/Le Fennec, 1996
“Splendeurs du Marroc” Editions plume, 1998
“Berber women of Morocco” Fondation Yves Saint Laurent, 2014
MAR305
