Berber Head Adornment – Ida Ou Semlal, Western Anti Atlas, Morocco

Mid 20th century. Silver, glass, enamel. Each temporal piece is cm. 15,2 high x cm. 10,0 width (5.98″ x 3.93″); the chain is cm. 33,0 long (12.99″). gr. 155,5 (5.48 oz.). The Imazighen (singular Amazigh) also known as the Berbers are among the original peoples of North Africa. Their myths, legends and history span 9,000 years, back to the Proto-Mediterraneans. They have achieved unity by keeping up their unique language and culture which are, like their land, both African and Mediterranean. For a similar example, see:

• “Splendeurs du Maroc”, Africa Museum Tervuren
• “Bijoux du Maroc”, by Jacques ed Marie-Rose Rabaté, Edilsud / Le Fennec.