Fine Berber Frontal Parure – CHARWITA – Guelmim Region, South Morocco

Combination of shell, agate, carnelian, glass beads, metal elements and textile work. Measurements: approx. 21.7 in (55 cm) long. Weight: approx. 9.1 oz (258 g). Condition: good overall condition

Fine and elaborate traditional Berber frontal parure, known as a Charwita, from the Guelmim region of southern Morocco.

The parure is constructed around a black textile headband, richly embroidered and embellished with a particularly dense arrangement of decorative elements. The frontal section features five large circular beadwork rosettes, together with smaller rosettes, composed of small white, green, red, blue and striped polychrome glass beads, interspersed with small gold-colored metal beads and spacers.

Along the lower edge of the frontal band hangs a row of finely worked gold-colored metal pendants, of alternating triangular and rounded forms, decorated with applied wirework and small circular motifs.

From both sides of the headband descend numerous long black braided textile cords, designed to frame the face when worn. The cords are individually ornamented with a rich assortment of materials, including white shell elements, agate, carnelian and other colored stone beads, green and reddish-brown pendants, polychrome glass beads, and numerous small gold-colored metal beads and decorative spacers. Some of the stone elements are cut into small pierced pendant forms, while the contrasting white shell ornaments and metal components create the characteristic alternating pattern along the dark cords.

The combination of shell, agate, carnelian, glass beads, metal elements and textile work, together with the long lateral strands and elaborate frontal beadwork, gives the parure its particularly rich and complex appearance.

The Charwita belongs to the tradition of elaborate head adornments of southern Morocco and the Saharan regions. Such parures, incorporating a variety of decorative and amuletic elements, are associated in the literature with the traditional attire worn in connection with the Guedra, the well-known ceremonial dance tradition of southern Morocco and Mauritania.

For related examples and further information on this type of North African head adornment:
– Anne Van Cutsem, A World of Head Adornment: Africa, Asia, Oceania, America, pp. 28–29.
– Angela Fisher, Africa Adorned, p. 223.

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