Antique Large Berber Earrings – Ouarzazate Region, Morocco

Early 20th century. Silver, glass, traces of enamel; gr 65,2 (2.29 oz); cm. 10,6 high (4.17”)  x cm. 5,9 width (2.32”).

Due to their heavy weight, women typically did not insert such pendants into their earlobes but attached them to chains that they draped over their heads, hooked into their hair, and covered with a piece of cloth.

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.

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