Object Details
- Label Text
- Berber peoples can be found from the 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 Berber peoples, jewelry serves as dowry and portable family wealth in the form of pendants, rings, bracelets, anklets, earrings and headdresses. In addition to their decorative charm, the dramatic brooches embellish the practical function of holding wrapped outer clothing together.
- Description
- Silver alloy anklet, open on one side, with repousse geometric background with bezel set coral and silver bosses, and vertical bands of green and blue cloisonné enamel and bezel set coral.
- Provenance
- Eliot Elisofon, New York, probably acquired in Morocco or Tunisia, 1942-1943 to 1973
- 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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Kabyle artist
- Date
- Early 20th century
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Eliot Elisofon
- Medium
- Silver alloy, coral
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 10.3 x 12.5 x 11.8cm (4 1/16 x 4 15/16 x 4 5/8in.)
- Type
- Jewelry
