Fibula with Chain Connector metal, green, blue, and red glass; green, yellow, and red enamel; coins

Fibulae (tizerzai), late 19th-early 20th century

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Berber women in southwestern Morocco wore massive triangular brooches with a pin and clasp to fasten draped garments at their shoulders. Pointed items like these pins are shown popping and bursting the evil eye in North African mosaics from the Roman period. But besides its protective function, this jewelry promoted female fertility, as symbolized by the silver enameled egg attached to the decorative band connecting the brooches.

Details
Title
Fibulae (tizerzai)
Role
Artist
Accession Number
91.141.16
Curator Approved

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Fibula with Chain Connector metal, green, blue, and red glass; green, yellow, and red enamel; coins