Author
Unknown
Publication Date
1800
Publication Place
Algeria (made) -
Subject
Islam Judaism Jewellery Metalwork Africa
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
Height: 300mm, Width: 143mm
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
732-1900
Record ID
732-1900
Library Location
Middle East Section
Date
1800
Notes
The Kabyles are a Berber people from the Atlas mountains in North Eastern Algeria. The brooches are made of silver and would have been attached to a woman's robe with the pin and ring device at the top of each brooch. The piece is decorated with brightly coloured enamelled filigree and set with corals. Coral was believed to contain baraka (good luck) and to protect children and communities from evil. This brooch was probably made by a Jewish silversmith as the Berbers thought working with metal was an inferior occupation. The filigree and enamelling techniques used here ware introduced to North Africa in the late fifteenth century by Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution in Europe. Jewish silversmiths dominated jewellery making in North Africa until the late nineteenth century.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Silver decorated with enamel filigree and coral Silver Coral Enamel Filigree Enamelling
Fiziksel açıklama
Two triangular silver brooches linked by a chain. The chain has a square scent case in the centre with three disc shaped pendants hanging from it. All the pieces are decorated with blue, green and yellow enamel and coral.