Pair of vintage fibulae from Zaiane, Morocco
A stunning pair of traditional ‘beurmil’ pear-shaped fibulae from the Zaïane region of Morocco. They are made of silver with enamelling, pieces of coral and Hassani coin dangles.
Date:
First half 20th century
Material:
Silver, coral & enamel
Dimensions:
28.0 cm (l) inc. dangles x 5.0 cm (w).
11.5 cm (dangle length)
Weight:
332 g for the pair
Ref:
FIB-411
References:
Grammet, I. and Meersman, M. (1998). Splendeurs du Maroc. Tervuren (Belgique): Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale, p 222
Fibulae (tizerzai in Tamazight; tabzimt in Arabic) are traditional silver Berber brooches, usually attached together by a chain, which come in pairs and are worn by women to fasten items of clothing together as well as being very decorative items. Women from different regions show their identity by wearing distinctive shaped fibulae, often very ornate. They symbolise feminine fertility.
