Fibula, One of a Pair
Perhaps the best-known form of North African Berber jewelry is the fibula. Such pins were worn at the shoulder to fasten cloth garments. While coral was a much valued gemstone in Amazigh (Berber) culture, plastic imitation is often found as an affordable substitute in jewelry from the twentieth century. The shape of this particular ornament is sometimes referred to as bzaïm.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fibula, One of a Pair
- Date: first half 20th century
- Geography: Attributed to Algeria
- Medium: Silver, coral, and imitation coral
- Classification: Jewelry
- Credit Line: Bequest of Helen Winslow Durkee Mileham, 1954
- Object Number: 55.111.47
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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