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.

Chunky

Posted by Betty on December 15, 2015 at 5:51pm

I believe this is an old Berber dowry bracelet, from the middle Atlas in Morocco, but would like to make sure with all the Berber experts here. The piece is quite large and wonderfully worn and has a satiny patina. It weighs over 180 grams

Comments

Peter Hoesli December 16, 2015 at 9:29am

Dear Betty; 180 grams is huge for a bracelet. I love the way it looks - very nice and I can just imagine the soft touch to it! Congratulations. Peter
Betty December 16, 2015 at 2:34pm

Thank you, Peter. Yes, it is very heavy and other than many ethnic bracelets it also has a large diameter of about 6.7 cm in the widest place. That is also why I am thinking about passing it on. When I wear it it feels a bit like weight-lifting (though I actually like heavy bracelets) and have to be careful so that it does not slip over my hand... Kind regards, Betty
SARAH CORBETT December 16, 2015 at 11:28pm

These are from a little further south east, I would,place them in keelat mgoun, or surrounding areas in the dades valley.
Betty December 18, 2015 at 2:10pm

Thanks a lot, Sarah! My knowledge about Berber jewellery is sadly very limited...

Do you perhaps know if this large size is standard?
SARAH CORBETT December 18, 2015 at 2:12pm

Yes, these are made in Pairs generally, to be used as dowry, so the more they weigh the higher the status of the bride in her new family to some extent.