Bijoux amazighs (Anglais)

Nice Moroccan pieces, especially the enamelled ones are quickly getting scarce as the European market is absorbing them, and the Europeans as well, are willing to pay much higher prices.... so if you see something that you like, don't wait too long... I have just added a few pieces as I am receiving fewer myself.
If you are interested in great reference books and don't mind challenging yourself with the French language, I highly recommend:
Splendeurs de Maroc
Bijoux de Maroc, vol. 1&2
Bijoux Berberes de Maroc
Bijoux Berberes d'Algerie
Morocco: Jews and Art in a Muslim Land

PLEASE CLICK ON THE SMALL PICTURES TO SEE THE ITEMS IN FULL....

NAF203. The earrings here have been strung with very old silver coins. They are Almohad or Muwahhid Islamic square silver Dirham minted in either southern Spain or Morocco around 1200AD. The Almohads, a Muslim Berber movement succeed the Almoravids in rule over Spain and North Africa and the coins that they produced reflected Islamic coins in some other areas as well. One principle in their society stood out - - Tawhid, the uniqueness of God. From my understanding the coins say something similar to "Allah is the one true god" and "Allah is full of strength". Some are quite worn down and are hard to read. I was wearing a pair like these myself and was stopped by an Egyptian man who interpreted them for me. He said that by wearing them, I was protecting myself from harm. I thought that was a wonderful thing. $30.US/each pair. (#3, #6, #7 & #8 are available).

NAF204. These pendants are known as "door" pendants bringing the wearer into a better world. These are $35.US each. (#2 is sold)

NAF205. This is a great antique silver fibula measuring 4 1/4 inches long including the hanging loop. $70.US.

NAF206. Pair of heavy silver antique fibulae, measuring 6 1/2 inches long. They show old wear that makes them more attractive. They are not exactly the same size but are close enough to be a matched pair. Nicely there is a bit of a pattern hammered onto the loop that helps to fasten the pin into one's cloak or clothing. It is a nice touch. $285.US/pair.

NAF207. Amazing delicate, graceful antique silver fibulae complete with chains, coin decorations, and delicate central pendant. The entire length (unfolded) is 21 1/2 inches. $475.US.

NAF208. Old silver Moroccan crosses - some with enamelling. #1 - 3 inches tall, $85.US. (sold) #2 - 2 1/8 inches tall, $45.US. #3 - 2 1/8 inches long, $75.US. #4 - 2 1/2 inches tall, $110.US. (sold) These are all nicer than they appear on the scan. They could use a little polishing, and then stand much taller than they appear to in the image.

NAF209. #1 - $20.US, #2 - $75.US, #3 - $110.US.

NAF210. Large pendant with coins hanging from it (sits nicely buy coudn't be scanned like that as the position was impossible to duplicate while lying down) measuring 1 3/4 inch in length and 3 inches in height including the coins. $155.US. Small pendant almost 1 3/8 inches long - $45.US.

NAF211. 2 1/2 inches wide and 4 3/8 inches tall including coin pendant. $145.US. (sold)

NAF212. Moroccan amulet - it could use some scrubbing but would gleam with silver if it were clean. This is 1 3/4 inches across, the two cones stand up close to 3/8 of an inch, the whole piece sits very nicely. $45.US.

NAF213. 19 inch length amber necklace complete with silver "egg" pendant (1 3/4 inches across) and hanging coins. $1050.US. (sold)

NAF214. 24 inch long amber necklace with two sided pendant, large silver beads and coin pendants. $1250.US.

NAF215. This bracelet came from Nubia, Egypt. It is similar to those shown on page 32 of "a World of Bracelets" only a little smaller and more delicate. The bracelet has a nice curve to it that slips onto the wrist easily. It is 2 1/8 inch across on the inside width, and a little over 1 1/2 inch wide. The outside with is almost 3 inches across if you include the fat knobs soldered on. On the scan you can see a rectangle that has been stamped in by the maker. There are 3 squares making the rectangle, each with a picture inside. The other side is plain. It hasn't been polished but would shine strong if it were. $135.US.

NAF216. This bracelet is also from Fayum, Egypt. I rarely get old items from that region as they are often melted and remade into new jewellery for the next generation. Much was also melted during the time that silver climbed in value in the 80's. A similar one is shown on page 31 of "a World of Bracelets". This bracelet is very old. It once had lots of etching on it but much of it has worn off, and the back of the bracelet has been worn thin at the edge. It speaks of years of being cared about. The bracelet is also covered with light scratches from years of wear while doing chores and living life. This must have been made very early in the 1900s and worn almost constantly. Inside the bracelet are 6 flower patterned stamps from the maker, each one being about 1/2 inch across. The back of the bracelet meets at a bit of an angle - something that was worn into it I think, over many years by the "handedness" of the owners. I just love this. It is heavy too. $185.US.

NAF184. The Moroccans make great necklaces full of pieces of meaning to them. Symbolism is very important. The protective hand or khamsa (Arabic for "five") in these pieces represents the five fundamental principles of Islam. It also acts as a protection to hold evil away. This khamsa comes from the northern Atlas Mountains and is very expressive, and about 2 3/4 inches long. You can see a large variety of neckpieces in Africa Adorned. They are fascinating. This necklace has some great beads on it too - amber, amazonite, coral... It has some great silver beads, and coins on pendants too. The necklace is held shut with one quartz and one bone bead. The necklace itself is 18 inches long. $325.US.

NAF185. The Moroccans make great necklaces full of pieces of meaning to them. Symbolism is very important. The protective hand or khamsa (Arabic for "five") in these pieces represents the five fundamental principles of Islam. It also acts as a protection to hold evil away. The central khamsa here is very unusual and I don't know which part of Morocco it comes from. The pattern is very eye catching, and around the necklace are more silver pieces representing the khamsa. The designs are often creatively made. Here there are two amazing amazonite beads, some funky coral, a silver studded prayer bead, and ancient beads set up to close the necklace. There is one enamelled silver bead as well, but it is a new one. People don't mind what kind of mix they use on necklaces as long as they are attractive and generally symbolic. The central pendant is 2 3/8 inches long and the necklace is 16 inches long. $275.US. (sold)

NAF188. This is a great pair of old, worn fibulae made of very old silver Moroccan coins - unfortunately the dates are covered with silver so I can't read the years. They have been used quite a bit and show appealing wear on them. You can see that a chain had been attached but can only wonder what it contained. The coins themselves 2 3/8 inches across. The pins on the pendants are different in length as one must have broken over the years and been resharpened at a shorter length. One is 5 3/4 inches long, and the other is 5 inches long. They match very nicely though and are full of character. $145.US.

NAF191. Moroccan cross $40.US. Pendant set $35.US.

NAF193. The flat Berber khamsa here is quite simple, cut from a slim sheet of silver and engraved lightly. It is light and easily worn as a protection. 2 3/4 inches high - $36.US. The small fibula is delicate as well. It is made from a cast sheet of silver that has been hammered with a spotty design.You could hang a lovely bead or something special that it could suspend. 3 3/8 inches long from end to end - $36.US. (sold)

NAF194. In Morocco, the fibula often represents an animal to act as a protection to the wearer. This piece is shown on page 242 of Africa Adorned. This fibula represents a turtle, and is worn by the Ait Atta tribe in the south. The jewellery there is worn with great pride and a strong sense of tradition, and makes the woman wearing it heavy with pleasure. This piece is old and very nicely and well worn. It is coated partly with an organic substance that probably had a lovely smell to it once upon a time. I can't smell any of it now, and it can be cleaned off if you like. I do like to see it there myself though as it adds character and demonstrates age. 3 5/8 inches long. $90.US.

NAF199. Well, I am very fond of very many items from North Africa. This is a nicely matching pair of lovely good silver fibulae worn very proundly by Berber women. According to page 242 of Africa Adorned "The various groups of Ait Hadiddu women are distinguished by the design and colour of the stripes on their woollen capes and the type of fibula they wear. These often represent animals believed to have magical properties." These fibulae are illustrated there and represent the jackal's paw "dar-n-ouchen" and are worn in the eastern regions. The pieces are 5 7/8 inches long and the two weigh about 7.1 ounces. $295.US/for the pair.

	NAF171. This is a lovely, large, cast and decorated silver Tunisian fibula from the late 1800s. It measures 6 inches tall, and 2 3/4 inches at its widest. This once had a glass stone set in its center, but now only the braided walls of the setting remain. If you had a flat stone or glass of the right size it could be glued into place. I prefer the rustic look of the piece as it is myself. The fibula can be pinned into a sweater, shawl, or loosely woven garment and it has a convenient stringing hole at the opposite end from which beads or a chain could dangle. This piece has a bequiling presence to it, a good patina, and a true sense of age. $135.US. (sold)
	NAF179. This is a traditional strand of North African prayer beads, carved of wood and interwoven with delicate slivers of silver. These are not antique, but were made recently. They are not as smooth and delicate as the old ones and have a gruffer, more rustic look to them. These beads are a bargain though, compared to the very old ones. Great for using mixed in necklaces or kept in a prayer arrangement, they measure 28 inches plus a pendant. $90.US.
	NAF162. Antique pendant with enamelled rosette in center. 3 1/4 inches tall, 3 inches across. $60.US. (sold)
	NAF163. Antique Moroccan pendant with dangles. 5 1/2 inches long including chain dangles. $195.US.
	NAF164. Antique Moroccan pendants. Priced by weight - prices are on the enlargement ranging from $18. to $42.US. (#8 is sold)
	NAF165. Silver "box" pendant with side-to-side hole. $145.US.
	NAF167. 3 Moroccan fibulae - $28.US/each (#3 is remaining)
	NAF168. There are four strands of branch coral in this Moroccan coral, silver & enamel necklace. All of the components came from a broken Moroccan necklace that was quite old and impossible to save, and all parts are antique. The enamelled box pendants have decorative fronts, are about 3/8 of an inch deep, and have a bullseye type of design on their back sides. The front pendant is 1 by 1 1/8 inch square, and they all have raised balls of silver soldered on as decoration. The beaded portion of this necklace is 14 inches long, and the entire piece when worn measures 19 inches. The coral is rich and warm in colour, and the silver beads are sterling grade. $475.US. (sold)
	NAF169. This 32 inch necklace of Moroccan coral, silver & enamel is not traditionally strung, but uses only traditional components. Included are some pieces of natural branch coral as well as shorter shaped beads. Two pendants are constructed from 15/16th inch silver coins, one enamelled and studded with a chunk of coral. Two little Islamic coins frame them. The two ornate pendants (1 5/8 inches long) are pretty interesting too - - one has more enamel left than the other, and one has a coral cabochan sitting at the bottom. $375.US. (sold)
	NAF151. These three pairs of silver earrings all have extra-thick earwires, so if you intend to wear them you must have slightly stretched ear holes. #1 are enamelled, and have centerpieces of bright glowing red glass facet stones. Dangling below, are silver Moroccan coins. They hang very nicely. Because I have to lay pieces down on a flat bed to scan them, they don't look as graceful as they do in real life. 2 3/4 inches long. Earrings #2 are also very traditional in style. They resemble the back of a turtle with a wonderful texture that has lots of patination on it. The 3 dangles on each earring move nicely. 3 inches long. Prices on scan. (#3 is sold).
	NAF146. aluminum old Mauritanian anklet. very traditional - cooking pots were probably melted down to provide material. front panel measures 2 1/4" square, large solid balls in back measure 1 1/4" across. inside of anklet measures 4" by 3". Lightweight and comfortable. $135.US.
	NAF133. I love the sound that shell makes when it is clinked together. Very similar to glass. These old carved pendants each have two stringing holes and would be great mixed with colourful beads of glass, stone or other materials. The largest pendant is just under 1 3/4 inches tall - they all have great tactile qualities and a creamy colour. Some are dirtied from long wear. Bought in Morocco. prices on scan (A & B are sold)
	NAF137. This is a fairly simple silver bracelet from Mauritania. Decorated with engraved designs meant as protections for the wearer, this bracelet has also been detailed with depressed circles giving it an intersting look The back closing has been defined with two sold silver knobs. The bracelet measures 2 3/8 inches by 1 1/2 inches on the inside - $135.US.
	NAF138. This is a new silver ring set with a slice of a collectible antique 7-layer Venetian chevron bead - dating from the 1700s. With a little bit of wear and the ensuing patination this ring will develop the look of an antique piece. It's large - about a size 9, and quite heavy - 28 grams. The diameter of the decorative shape on the front is just under 7/8 inches - $145.US.
	NAF140. These two Mauritanian pendants are unusual in style and detail - both radically different, they still share a dense detailed intricate adornment. The cross measures 1 5//8 inches from side to side and is 5/8 inch high at the center cone. Patterned with tiny dimples, the five "fingers" of the cross are constructed from finely wound wire. Early 20th century. This is an amazing domes pendant, similar in style to the fragile, thin shelled Mauritanian beads one finds less and less these days. 7/8 inch in diameter, it is 5/8 inch high. This is decorated with tiny silver dimples and fine twisted wire. Nicely worn and patinated to a dark finish that allows the silver of the polished parts to really gleam. Mauritanian silver "cross" pendant A - $85.US (sold). Mauritanian silver breast shaped pendant B - $48.US.
	NAF112. Three intriguing Moroccan pieces are illustrated here. The first is a silver lost wax casting of a creature - is it a salamander or lizard with special healing powers as well as the ability to predict the future? Slightly over 2 inches long it has two stringing holes on either side of its body. You can do something inventive with this. $30.US. The second piece is a Moroccan "wedding pendant". It needs to be surrounded by beads. This silver piece has been cast and engraved and decorated with spots of red and blue enamel. 2 1/2 inches long. $45.US The third piece is one I haven't seen before. It is constructed like a purse or basket, fabricated with sheet silver and decorated with wire, silver balls (one is missing) and had once been coloured (only the traces are left). It is open at the bottom and has some sort of organic (talismanic) substance inside. $48.US. (only the salamander #1 is remaining)
	NAF113. The pendants illustrated here are all attractive and old. #1 is a small piece with a bright green stone in the center of it. The hanging loops at the bottom have broken long ago so you have to string it through the tunnel running across the top. Most of the yellow and green enamel is gone. 1 1/2" tall. $50.US. #2 is in quite good condition with much of the enamelling intact, centered by a domed red glass stone and very nicely decorated with silver wire and small balls. All hanging loops are intact. 1 7/8" tall. $95.US. #3 is used in neck or ear pieces. Centered with a deep red square glass, nicely enamelled and holed at each side with hanging loops at the top. $46.US. #4 is a crude but attractive piece with an unusual domed and shaped dark red glass stone. Little enamel is left but the design is strong and compelling. 1 3/4". $75.US. (all sold except #1)
	NAF121. This bracelet is a cruder version of the more fanciful and skilled flared ones that I have listed. Instead of deep niello work as decoration, it has a pattern etched and hammered into the surface. The decorative studded domes on each side have unequal quantities of soldered decorative wire on them as some has been lost over the years. I think that the original work was hastily done in perhaps a less wealthy community than some. The central stud and edges of the back of the bracelet were once enamelled but now have little left. The bracelet though is well shaped, solid, and very wearable. It has a great ethnic look to it and can be appreciated for its individuality. I wouldn't be offering it for sale if I didn't find it attractive. The bracelet measures 2 by 2 1/4 inches in diameter, is 7/8 inch tall in the front, and 1 7/8 inches at the closures in the back. A good value at $175.US.
	NAF123. This is an old Moroccan bracelet (1st half of 20th century) or "azbeg". Designs are etched with graceful and delicate lines, curves, and zig-zags, and finished with niello work. The central glass "stone: was once facetted but the facets themselves have been worn fairly smooth over time - it glows a briliant bright red and catches any ambient light. Most of the enamelling on this bracelet is missing, and some touch up colour has been applied around the central stone (sometimes on these pieces there is absolutely no enamel left yet the memory of it seems to enhance the pieces nevertheless). The interior of the bracelet measures 2 inches across. The front is 15/16 inch high and the back is 1 3/4 inches. I find these bracelets among the most comfortable to wear as they seem to cling to my arms. This is a very wearable and very collectible good old piece. - $285.US (sold)
	NAF109. Three small Berber rings are illustrated here, and all of them appear on page 23 of the brand new (and wonderful, of course) book "A World of Rings: Africa, Asia, America" by Anne Van Cutsem. The teapot ring represents hospitality and fits a size 9.5, the airplane ring is representative of the influences of the modern world - size 11 and the abstracted ram guarantees the return of the life cycle - size 6.5. All made of good silver - all vintage. $46.US each. (teapot is sold)
	NAF69. This is a lovely "traffic light" pendant. It is a little wonky like much Berber jewellery and it would make a great centerpiece to a dramatic necklace. Especially if you have some coral or a mix of interesting glass beads. A good silver base with the typical yellow and green enamelling - the glass domes "stones" are brighter than they appear. $95.US. (sold)
	NAF88. Illustrated here is a lovely pair of silver earrings from Morocco. Wearable if you have large pierced holes in your ears, and collectible otherwise. These earrings are made of high grade silver and each one has a tubular coral bead hanging from it as well as an Islamic coin. One is dated 1321AH Hejira which would be 1903AD Christian calendar The cone shaped dangles are made of hammered and rolled sheet silver (sealed on the bottom as well). Small (3/4" across) enamelled (with most enamel missing) plaques are soldered to the front of the earrings - one centered with a blue glass "stone" and the other with a green one. These are very charming and have a great colour to them. The earrings measure 4 1/4 inches from very top to bottom of dangles. $205.US
	NAF55. Playing card motifs are popular decorations on North African (Moroccan and Tuareg) jewellery as can be seen on this "clubs" ring. This silver ring is a size 9.5, is lightly worn, made with a thick and solid ring band, and is very wearable for many years to come. The club motif is almost an inch tall. $60.US.
	NAF62. . . This wonderful, unusual silver piece is from Mauritania and has a pattern of diamonds and clubs (or clovers) alternating with a flat leaf design and a granulated 3 dimensional spacer. It is a great contrast of shapes and dimensions. The inside diameter of the bracelet is 2 1/4 inches across and the widest parts of the bracelet are just under 3/4 inches. It is held shut with a silver pin. $200.US.
	NAF64. This silver Yemeni pendant needs a photo not a scan as the top granulated part is dripping with uneven lengths of chain - a very chaotic selection with bits of arrow shaped pendants and bells - it's all kind of wild. The granulation on the top section is irregular and covers what would normally be a round bead about 1 1/4 inches in diameter. The entire piece measures about 5 3/4 inches long. It has a sturdy hanging loop at the top and a smaller twisted wire loop at the bottom of the bead... $135.US
	NAF15. The Berbers love decoration and colours. They add brilliance to silver jewellery by enamelling, usually in oranges, greens and deep blues... This simple but striking ring has a disc surface measuring slightly over an inch across. The flower shaped pattern has a centerpiece of a silver knob that is about 3/16th inch tall. The disc is rather crudely soldered onto a ring band about 1/4 inch wide and patterned with two stripes of twisted wire. This ring is reasonably worn and has a lovely dark patina. It is a very wearable size 7. $56.US
	NAF20. I love eccentric rings, and if these fit me, I would not be able to part with them. The are sized much too large for my skinny fingers though. Both of these silver rings have been inlayed with copper - the top one is virtually identical to the ring from Mali illustrated on page 96 of the Splendor of Ethnic Jewelry, and the other is quite similar. Both supposed to be influenced by the designs on playing cards. They are quite heavy - the one on the left weighing close to an ounce (size 9.5) and the other about 3/4 ounce (size 10). As you can see in the illustration, the style of jewelry making there is one of massive form and graceful shapes. These are much more impressive 3 dimensionally than they are on a scan as their forms, their heft and weight have to be appreciated firsthand... $125.US/each.