The Berber are a non-Arabic people who have been
living in North Africa since 3000 BC. They speak their
own language, Berber, of which some 300 dialects are
known. Although the region, known as the Maghreb,
covers more than 1,250 square miles, the jewelry from
this region has a unity of style. Silver is a dominant
material featured in Berber jewelry as there are a number
of silver mines in the area. Silversmiths utilized a number
of techniques such as doming, piercing, repousse work,
chasing, stamping, filigree, embossing, engraving and
enamelling. Amber, coral, shell and other natural materials
are used in addition to silver. Jewelry has a very important
role as an adornment to enhance the beauty of the wearer.
Often coins are used to embellish the jewelry so that they
can be removed and used as payment. Jewelry forms part
of the bride price for marriage, and serves a protective
function because of the magic power ascribed to it and
brings blessings - ëBarakaí.
Title: Berber Cuff Bracelet
Material: Antique silver with enamel work and coral.
People: Kabyle (Berber ethnic group)
Country: Northern Algeria
Dimensions: 3" height x 2.5" width x 8.25" inner circumference
Adorned in all her finery, a bride would wear several pairs of enamelled bracelets.
The Berber are a non-Arabic people who have been
living in North Africa since 3000 BC. They speak their
own language, Berber, of which some 300 dialects are
known. Although the region, known as the Maghreb,
covers more than 1,250 square miles, the jewelry from
this region has a unity of style. Silver is a dominant
material featured in Berber jewelry as there are a number
of silver mines in the area. Silversmiths utilized a number
of techniques such as doming, piercing, repousse work,
chasing, stamping, filigree, embossing, engraving and
enamelling. Amber, coral, shell and other natural materials
are used in addition to silver. Jewelry has a very important
role as an adornment to enhance the beauty of the wearer.
Often coins are used to embellish the jewelry so that they
can be removed and used as payment. Jewelry forms part
of the bride price for marriage, and serves a protective
function because of the magic power ascribed to it and
brings blessings - ëBarakaí.
Late 1800's to early 1900's.
