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.

The zaiane tribe due to its close location to the cities of fes and meknes have early adopted urban jewelry such as the ones worn by these singers and comprising classical gold coins necklace with a khmasa, headbands, hinge crown, a forehead ornament and most notably the wonderful earrings of the lady at the right wich were already popular in the 1930'S Zaiane ladies were also famous with their "beard" tatoos, other tatoos were applied on different parts of the body (chest, legs, back, arms....)
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  • Looks like Fassi-style jewelry.  Are the markings tattoos or saffron water?

  • yep quite fassi in the style but somewhat "coutryside'ish" not very intricate or sophisticated as the fassis. The tattos are genuine and permanent

  • The gold and black coin necklaces are now also worn in the Draa valley, A husband gives a necklace with as many of the gold discs, (which feature a chicken) as he is able to afford.

    I shall look ofr some pics to support this!

    Sx

  • 2505993084?profile=original

    Chassidy and Said marriage in Zagora

  • 2505992927?profile=original

     

    Alecia and Hossaine wedding in Ait Ouzzine

  • Does the chicken on the gold discs signify anything in particular? e.g. prosperity?

  • I guess the obvious connection is new life/ fertility, buy I am not sure of the origin of the golden chicken pendants....would like to find out more .....

     

  • Originally, old gold french francs (early 20th) were used and still are. the arrival of the french gave the signal to the heavy use of coins in moroccan jewelry, while before only some old spanish coins were used.

     

    20_francs_Napoleon_Or_-_Coq_Pile.jpg

    Until up recently the main gold adornment in the countryside were :

    -The gold coins necklace called "Glada" with as many coins as possible

    -The gold coins earrings called "LOUIZ" in reference to their french name "Louis d'or" when the coin used in of the 20 francs denominations, otherwise they are called "NSASS" OR "HALVES" when 10 francs are used and  "RBAA" or "QUARTERS" when 5 francs are used

     

     

     

  • Ayis, Sarah, thank you. It`s these details of historical development that I love to learn. Can`t wait to be there again  and learn more.

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