A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.
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This is an urban Moroccan silver gilt belt.
This style could date back to the 70's and 80's but are stull being made and worn, gold for the wealthiest and gilt silver or copper for those with lesser means.
Precious metal belts are a rather new introduction to Morocco, maybe around the 1950,s??! Before there was silken or metal embroidered belts as well as belt buckles only!
Until recently, owning a gold belt or "M'DAMMA" was the appex adornment for any respectable woman in urban Morocco, all gold with emeralds and rose cut diamonds preferably....Less so now, as women are surrendering to more fashionable gowns (caftans) with elaborate cuts and fabrics which are less likely to accept heavy belts...so no more metal belts and at most a very ornate belt buckles
I was just checking whether it might be from Tunisia, Alaa, as Casucasion seemed unlikely to me... - but you beat me to it :-)).
It is a very lovely piece, Peter. I like the combination of gold and emerald.
Dear Ala'a and Betty; Many thanks for your messages. This is very interesting. I am surprised that Morocco has such belts. It is a very nice workmanship. Thanks for letting me know. With kind regards. Peter