Silver necklace from the Greater Kabilia in Algeria. These sort of necklaces, called “Azrar”, were given to women as wedding dowry. They were then use on especial celebrations and festivals.
Materials: high grade silver, coral and enamel.
From the first half of the 20th century.
Provenance: German private collection.
The necklace has 21 charm pendants in different shapes, also old French silver coins. Some of the pendants were enamel in blue, green and yellow. These colors and the enamel technique used on them are typical of Berber jewelry from the mountainous kabylie, especially from Beni Yenni. A red coral bead was inset on mostly all pendants, to protect the wearer from evil eye and illness.
The necklace is shown in its original condition, and hasn’t been clean or repaired.
Dimensions:
Length: 41 cm
Size of bigger pendants: Between 2,5 and 2,7 cm
Weight: 147,4 gr
It is fastened with a hook.
Literature:
“Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 36
“Abzim Parures et bijoux des femmes d’Algérie“, Tamzali, Wassyla, Enterprisse -algérienne de Presse, 1984, p. 164
“Bijoux berbères d’Algérie”, Camps-Fabrer, Edisud, 1990, p. 94
“L’argent de la lune”, Makilan, 2015, p. 97-99
“El llenguatge de la joia”, Fundació Caixa Girona, 2008, p. 116
“Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p. 20
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