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 style is identified with the Fez area. Fez was one of the centers where Jewish artisans who were forced out of Spain in the 1600's came to live and produce jewelry (other areas were Essaouira which was called Mogador). The style of jewelry that they brought with them was different from the native Berber style and related to a more Middle Eastern and sophisticated style. It was popular in the cities and is called "citadine" and was in gold. It began to be copied in silver by people surrounding the cities. When the Jewish silversmiths left, the muslim silverworkers kept making the same styles. This pair may not be old enough to be actually Jewish-made, but it has the advantage of not having lost the enamel and so giving a good idea of the old ones when first made. There are different styles of sun/moon bangles, depending on the width of the silver bands, and some have champ-levé enamel on the silver bands, in blue or green, but it is often lost.
I read a lot of this information from the book in French by Marie Rebate-the volume on the jewelry of the North of Morocco, and also have talked with those jewelers who have this style (of which currently are only two in the area of the Souss). There are modern versions with brass and silver and some with brass and enamel.
Hi Maggie,
Do we have a picture mix up, this pic for me is of an enamelled cuff which I would attribute to Ait Ouargazit rather than a sun and moon style from Fes which is the description below......
S x
Excuse me! My comment was on the sun/moon bracelets. Sorry, it doesnt apply to this pair. This pair come from near Tafraoute, where there was a little village that is still standing and which was filled with Jewish silversmiths who made unusual enamel pieces. This tradition is still carried on by the artisans around Anezi, who make stunning enamel pieces today, but the little village is empty.
It is the dealer who showed me this pair who vouches that they are old enough to be Jewish made, and that this style is from that area. It is a style that is sometimes seen here, but only rarely, and is unknown anywhere else as far as I know. But women here like to have something spectacular for festivals and these are still worn. This pair is in much better shape than the usual. Sometimes they have little holes to poke cotton soaked in perfumed oil.
HI Sarah, yes, I made a goof, sorry. I tried to change it.
Yes, this all makes sense now! Thanks for the clarification.. I really love this style. I know of two sets of antique ones with blue enamelling in good condition currently available in Morocc, they are indeed rare pieces.....and pricey.
Thank you for all of the very valuable information and insights, your knowledge of Morocco and the Jewels is much appreciated.
warmest wishes
Sarah
The conversation has added lots of info to the pieces, thats great ...just why we are here!
Thank you fir the valuable input.
S x