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.

Tej from Zarzis

Posted by Edith D on April 9, 2012 at 9:08pm

This headpiece has a pin on the back. It is gilt silver with imitation George V coins. I was told by the silver sellers in Djerba that it was traditionally used in Zarzis. One seller told me he had not seen this model in at least 40 years, another that it was between 50 and 60 years old.

Comments

Edith D April 9, 2012 at 9:16pm

I am re-posting this photo with new information. I think that similar items have spread in popularity and I just saw a lady at a wedding in Matamata wearing one of these. I would say, however, that its use is still primarily in the south of Tunisia. Here is a photo...
Ethnic Embellishments April 9, 2012 at 9:42pm

This is a splendid photo below of the Tej in use!
Eva Baby April 9, 2012 at 11:11pm

thanks for the beautiful photo of the bride wearing it!! It looks great!
Chantal April 9, 2012 at 11:16pm

Great photo and great display of Tunisian art......Best of all the bride seems happy as well as splendid (and not too young! Thanks Edith.
Edith D April 10, 2012 at 11:12am

Actually, this is not the bride! This lady was one of the guests, many of whom were dressed in traditional costume. (Yes, the bride was much younger, but I think of legal age by western standards.) We barely saw the bride except at her house, and she was covered the entire Jaffa (last day of wedding.) It was a VERY traditional wedding, but very interesting.
Chantal April 10, 2012 at 11:38am

Shame! here was I thinking I was seeing a happy bride............Traditional wedding.....must have been very interesting.