Gallery

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.

Berber woman from central anti atlas

Posted by Alaa eddine SAGID on September 18, 2013 at 11:40am

This is an ultra rare testimony from southern anti atlas. The only picture i know of where the "cherka" is being worn, the very elusive and scarce nielloed, enameled and carnelian studded headdress! The presence of saharan bangles as well as big elevated hair rings (a cluster of four to five rings actually) means that this lady comes from the southern most mountain oases of central anti atlas. Note as well the discreet bunch of scented herbs and flowers underneath the rings. This picture is also a testimony of the once widespread habit of accumulating same type jewelry far away from any practical use (double pair of fibulas) A stone bangle is another testimony of the ties between these berbers and the saharan trade; these bangles were obviously brought from south of the sahara (sahel region of africa) where they are still made and worn in remembrance of very old once-green-savannah-sahara traditions Actual use among berbers should have been motivated with magical beliefs

Comments

Betty September 18, 2013 at 3:26pm

Wonderful picture and fascinating explanation of what can be seen in it! Thanks a lot for sharing...
Toya September 18, 2013 at 4:49pm

Such an exciting photo! Amazing to see the double fibula use. The head dress is spectacular.
Nada September 18, 2013 at 8:52pm

Always so interesting reading the information your provide Alaa Eddine. I am grateful that you are sharing it.
Alaa eddine SAGID September 18, 2013 at 9:13pm

Thank you ladies.

Just for having a clearer idea of the headress, here is a similar example in full bright colours and in a very complete and almost pristine shape along with original and even scarcer earrings. This one is kept in the MAJORELLE museum in Marrakech
Harald September 20, 2013 at 10:25pm

Wonderful picture. In what book can it be found to have a better look??
Alaa eddine SAGID September 21, 2013 at 12:43am

Sorry Harald, but i just found it when roaming the net.

Obviously and as you have noticed it, it is a book scan, but can't find out from which book!