Tribal Amulet Necklace Salhayat Silver Pendants Berber Ethnic Jewelry Sahara Egypt Libya

Necklace composed of five crescent-shaped silver salhayat pendants, engraved with symbolic motifs such as the “Seal of Solomon” (protective hexagram) and stylized fish. The pendants are strung on a thread of red, green, and yellow glass beads, reflecting local aesthetic traditions.
This type of adornment is traditionally worn by Berber-speaking women in Egypt’s Siwa oasis, particularly after childbirth. The term salhayat (lit. “little crescent”) refers to these specific amuletic pendants. Beyond its decorative role, the necklace fulfills protective, social, and economic functions: warding off malevolent spirits (djinn), signifying motherhood, and serving as portable silver wealth. Individual elements could be sold or broken off upon the birth of a son.
Though rooted in Siwan traditions, this form is also found across Saharan Amazigh communities in Libya, Algeria, and southern Tunisia, reflecting longstanding artisanal and trade connections across North African oases. The presence of an Egyptian hallmark indicates official recognition and circulation within Egypt’s silver market system.

AGE: Mid 20th century

MATERIAL: high grade stamped silver, glass

SIZE: 760 mm (see photos)

WEIGHT: 133 grams

OVERALL CONDITION:
Very good condition, with high quality workmanship.

REFERENCES:
- The traditional jewelry of Egypt, Azza Fahmy, AUC Press, 2015, p.86