Gallery

Comments

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  Ethnic Embellishments May 15, 2011 at 6:43pm

  Are these traditionally worn on the bottom portion of the chains between "tazarzit" (fibulas)?
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  SARAH CORBETT May 15, 2011 at 9:45pm

  I Have heard these refered to as a form of Khamsa in the Dades region, and also as a portal of life pendant further to the south in the Draa. The 'trio' adornments to the sides and base of many of the pieces remind me of the form of the dar'n'ouchen fibula design which also has the vulva at the centre, again a reference to the portal of life.

  This concept is also spoken of in regard to khrab hoops which bear the 'pigeon foot' emblem in the centre.. thus combining the portal of life and the symbol of new life or hope.

  as children are considered a gift from god I feel that the dorway to heaven may also fit into this logic.

  Names and concepts of pieces change from region to region! Maybe due to sellers who simply don't know, or maybe due to differences in language and interpretaions.

  These aspects fascinate me, the language of the pieces is as rich as the pieces themselves!

   

  As for placement I have seen them as temporals or as pairs at the ends of the chains between fibulae sets.

  Great collection !

  Thanks for sharing

  S x
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  Toya May 16, 2011 at 12:44am

  Thank you, Sarah. I have been a member of this network for two days and have already learned so much. I have heard these pendants referred to as Khamsa as well, but the "doorway to heaven" name intrigued me. I find it so interesting that these iconographic images speak to us across cultures. They have a power that trancends time and culture.

  I am so happy to be a member of this wonderful group.
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  Ethnic Embellishments May 16, 2011 at 12:56am

  I've noticed that many of these pieces are very worn at the back of the loop.  This suggests that they are worn on the bottom of the chain with fibulas.  I have also seen pieces this way .
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  SARAH CORBETT May 16, 2011 at 7:59am

  Hi Hillary,

  Page 141 of Bijoux du Maroc ( the High Atlas edition) shows the configuration I was speaking of, which would account for the type of wear to the bail which you speak of.

  I also have an image of a woman from Imilchil wearing one of these pendants as a part of a necklace.

  I think that the usage is dependant on the trend or style of the lady wearing the pendant!

  Sx

  Warm wishes
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  Toya May 16, 2011 at 4:53pm

  Here is a photo marked "Todrha" with the pendant worn up high next to the fibula.