Author
Unknown
Publication Date
1800
Publication Place
Algeria (made) -
Subject
Jewellery Metalwork Islam Judaism Africa
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Length: 5.75cm, Width: 4cm
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
667-1893
Record ID
667-1893
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1800
Notes
This silver shoulder brooch would have been worn by Kabyle women in the first half of the nineteenth century to fasten their robes. The Kabyles are a Berber people from the Atlas mountains in North Eastern Algeria. The front and back are decorated with a pattern of silver wire forming spaces filled with enamel or coral. Coral was a popular decoration as it was believed to contain baraka (good luck), offer protection from evil and enhance fertility. This brooch was probably made by a Jewish silversmith. In the late fifteenth century many Jewish people immigrated to North Africa. The Jewish population dominated the silversmithing profession and brought with them many new jewellery techniques (such as enamelling) which they handed down from generation to generation.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Silver, engraved and decorated with enamel and coral Enamel Silver Coral Enamelling Filigree
Fiziksel açıklama
Triangular shaped silver shoulder brooch decorated with enamel and coral and held in place by a pin and ring device.
