91.141.8a: Metal belt buckle back side has four vertical supports to the top which is a curved elliptical shape. Top is incised with two "appliqué" birds, two six pointed stars with a large six pointed star/flower in the center.

Belt buckle and anklets, 1832

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

In the past, Muslims in Morocco declined to engage in smithing, allowing their Jewish neighbors to take up the trade instead. One of the reasons was the popular belief that working with fire exposed them to the wrath of harmful invisible beings called jinn. For many centuries, Jewish artisans in the coastal town of Essaouira dominated the metalworking industry—this pair of anklets was made there in 1832—though most have since left the country and been replaced by Muslims.

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Details
Title
Belt buckle and anklets
Role
Artist
Dimension
Buckle: H.2-1/4 x W.6 x L.1-1/2 in.; Anklet: H.2-1/2 x Dia.4 in., each
Accession Number
91.141.8a-c
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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91.141.8a: Metal belt buckle back side has four vertical supports to the top which is a curved elliptical shape. Top is incised with two "appliqué" birds, two six pointed stars with a large six pointed star/flower in the center.