Considered a symbol of beauty and femininity throughout history, Jewelry has always adorned the lives of many women, and Berber jewelry is a great example of this. Although these pieces of jewelry are different from any other in that their value goes beyond the aesthetic, as they become the most representative element of a culture, in which its women are bearers of the legacy that is exhibited through them.
Heavy bracelets, necklaces, charms, earrings, bracelets and headbands of great visual impact, due to their size and color, They constitute the jewelry worn by Berber women and, through which, we can learn about the fascinating history, culture and beliefs of the «Amazighs». (Name by which the Berber people are also known and which means «free men»).
In this town, originally from North Africa and settled mainly in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, jewels are passed from generation to generation, from mothers to daughters, as part of the family inheritance. With the particularity that they are given by their husbands or in-laws when they marry, so that, in addition to the dowry, without which the marriage cannot be celebrated, tThey also represent economic autonomy in case of differences or disagreements with your spouse.
Being an important part of the dowry, the number of jewels and their value vary depending on the pact between the contracting families and their economic possibilities. Many spouses gave jewelry made of gold, but, motivated by the fact that not all families could deliver dowries of great value, the use of silver jewelry became widespread among women, turning this material into the symbol of Berber jewelry, as it is also associated with purity and protection. They also highlight the use of other materials such as: amber, coral, copper, brass, precious and semi-precious stones, which provide great color.
In general, these jewels are used in festivities or family gatherings, where each tribe presents a type of jewelry, which shows its tribal and geographical origin. While there are marked differences between the tribes, A characteristic that they share is their abstract and geometric designs, in which decorative shapes and floral motifs, animals, elements of magical symbology predominate.as well as Berber calligraphy and some symbols of Jewish culture, all thanks to the contribution of Berbers from Jewish families settled in Africa until the 1950s.
Among other characteristics, the following stand out: its artisan elaboration through an extremely meticulous process, only carried out by men; and a marked protective sense, since it is not only believed that they ward off bad influences and illnesses, but also, being endowed with cutting shapes, They were used by women to defend themselves against possible attacks during their work in the fields.
Definitely, the originality, beauty and symbolism of these jewels do not leave anyone indifferent; thus, If you want to look for the best Berber jewelry, we invite you to visit the Moroccan city of Tiznit, you will find it there.