Moorish-Berber Bracelets – MIZAM – Pre Sahara, Morocco

Mid 20th century. Silver, gr. 137,6 (4.85 oz.); diameter cm. 8,0 (3.14″), inner diameter cm. 5,5 (2.16″).

For similar examples, see p. 328 of “Splendeurs du Maroc”, Africa Museum Tervuren.

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.

The Moroccan pre-Sahara begins as soon as you cross the Atlas to the south. It is not sand for the most part – more a wasteland of rock and scrub which the Berbers call hammada – but it is powerfully impressive.