jewelry ( bijoux ) amazigh :

The jewelry Amazigh : Since ancient times, in all his art, it reflects the history of this great civilization. Its manufacturing is still done by two techniques. The first is the casting and cutting of gem and is widespread throughout North Africa. The second, jewelry enameled introduced the stones (amber, coral, beads, etc..) Are found only in three areas: A Tiznit in Great Kabylia and finally Moknine and Djerba (Tunisia).

The North African jewelry, having first developed in the countryside, has primarily used the money. Originally an economic choice, money has become the hallmark of the Amazigh jewelry. It generally defines a jewelry as a "precious little object" (Webster), but the Amazigh jewelry stands at this point it does not fit this definition. It is indeed often large and sometimes borders exaggeration. Moreover, some parts are even more appreciated they reach considerable size. For example, the fibula (Tizêrzâi) often "triangular, have a disproportionately enlarged head" and can weigh over one kilogram. "The circular pin Kabylie (Tabzimt) have [a very large diameter] and weigh up to eight hundred grams (Berbers margins of history, G. Camps).

The stones in the jewelry does not just come for the increase, but they are sometimes the main room is particularly true of Ambers (Luban) in collards. Amazigh women adorn themselves from head to foot. They are almost always in pairs jewelry. Thus, the excess is not just in size but also in quantity. This can be seen in the young bride, whose ring may contain up to several jewelry box. In addition the amount of diversity. It is true that there are several kinds of accessories. The earrings, which are found in all civilizations, have a great importance in Amazigh. The woman carries on different levels of the ear, where different types: Douah, Boukanat, Tixrsin ... The bracelets are still doing pairs. They are either simple silver rings (Abzg) or larger rings, inlaid stones, and fastened by a chain (Tanbailt). Among the Tuareg, the legacy of their ancestors is more marked. The bracelets are well into a stone, soapstone. In the region of Adrar Air, men work almost on the stone its point of extraction. With respect to the collars, they are very beautiful, very responsible, they cover the entire chest. In Morocco, they are composed of large stones of amber (Luban) which give even more strength and weight. They can also be made of cloves or pasta fragrant. The fibula (previously mentioned) and signet (axellal) are typically Amazigh jewelry. The front is trimmed by him tazra that highlights the eyes as the face.

More than a decorative object for the woman, the jewel is its only real assets. It may also have a sacred and prophylactic (which protects against diseases: Luban, talismans, etc..) It is commonly described as mainly silver, but it should be noted that in the urban world, especially under the reign of Yuba II the women wore only gold jewelry. The Amazigh jewelry is an art-craft, which sculpts the metal giving it an almost magical forms with bright colors. Thus the Amazigh jewelry in all its glory, its diversity and strength was able to defy time.