Pair of vintage fibulae from the region of Ida ou Semlal, Morocco
A pair of beautiful old fibulae from Ida ou Semlal, Morocco. One fibula comprises a finely engraved silver plate on a copper base, the other is also finely engraved silver but on a brass base. Lovely vintage patina. Collector’s item.
Date:
Early 20th century
Material:
Silver, brass & copper
Dimensions:
13.2 cm (h) x 5.0 cm (w)
Weight:
51 g & 50 g
Ref:
FIB-407
References:
Grammet, I. and Meersman, M. (1998). Splendeurs du Maroc. Tervuren (Belgique): Musée royal de l'Afrique centrale. Page 257.
Rabaté, M. (2015). Bijoux du Maroc. ACR, Paris-Là Défense, pp. 32.
Rabaté, M. (2013). Les Fibules. Paris-La Défense: ACR éd. pp. 178.
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.
