Maker:

Kabyle artist  Search this

Medium:

Silver alloy, coral, enamel

Dimensions:

H x W x D: 4.1 x 7.6 x 7.9 cm (1 5/8 x 3 x 3 1/8 in.)

Type:

Jewelry

Geography:

Kabylie, Algeria

Date:

Mid-20th century

Label Text:

The Berber peoples can be found from Morocco's Atlantic coast to the Siwa Oasis on the western Egyptian border. While not homogenous, they do share a language (with dialects). The Kabyle are Berbers who live in the mountainous Kabylie region of northeastern Algeria. While primarily farmers, the Kabyle are known for their cloisonné-enameled jewelry, weaving and pottery. Unlike most other Berber jewelers, Kabyle artisans are predominantly Muslim. It is thought that their techniques came from Moorish Spain. Pieces are usually made of silver alloy decorated with blue, yellow and green enamel and bezel set with real coral, or more recently, with colored glass or plastic cabochons. Braided or twisted wire borders the enameled areas, with added spherical beads of silver.

As among all the Berber peoples, jewelry serves as dowry and portable family wealth in the form of brooches, pendants, rings, bracelets, anklets, earrings and headdresses.

Description:

Hinged bracelet with cloisonné enamel in turquoise, blue, and yellow, with alternating 8 bezel set red corals with 6 conical enameled bosses, bordered by applied spherical silver alloy beads.

Provenance:

Collected in Algiers, 1963-1964

Nancy Berg, Fairfax, Virginia, 1963-1964 to 2000

Content Statement:

As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.

Image Requests:

High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/

Topic:

Adornment  Search this

male  Search this

Credit Line:

Gift of Nancy Berg

Object number:

2000-8-5

Restrictions & Rights:

Usage conditions apply

See more items in:

National Museum of African Art Collection

Data Source:

National Museum of African Art

GUID:

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7b972899d-d1b3-4482-b083-12cd83c9aab5

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:nmafa_2000-8-5