Antique Moroccan silver enamel pendant Tafraoute Akhsass Anti Atlas Berber Amazigh frontal ornament tribal headdress jewelry

Antique Amazigh silver pendant originating from the western Anti-Atlas region of Tafraoute and Akhsass (southern Morocco).
This ornament belongs to the traditional frontal adornments worn by Amazigh women of the Ida ou Gnidif, Aït Ba Amran and neighbouring tribal groups of the western Anti-Atlas. Such elements were attached to headdresses or necklaces and formed part of elaborate ceremonial adornments.
The pendant is constructed around a circular silver plaque bordered by engraved zig-zag motifs and small applied silver granules. At the centre appears a raised medallion decorated with coloured glass inlays forming a floral motif in yellow and green enamel-like glass paste, a colour combination characteristic of southern Moroccan Amazigh jewelry.
Three articulated pendants hang from the lower edge. These geometric drops are engraved with symbolic motifs and terminate with small silver nodules, creating movement when worn.
Jewelry of this type was traditionally made by local silversmiths, often Jewish artisans working within Amazigh communities. Silver, coloured glass and enamel were widely used materials in Berber jewelry across the Maghreb and formed part of regional identity and social status.

AGE: Early 20th century

MATERIAL: High grade silver, enamel

SIZE: 86 x 42 mm (see photos)

WEIGHT: 12 grams

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

REFERENCES:
- Splendeurs du Maroc, Amel, P. et al, Musée Royal de lʼAfrique Central, Belgium, 1998, p.270
- Bijoux du Maroc: Du Haut Atlas à la Vallée du Draa, Jacques et Marie-Rose Rabaté, EDISUD/LE FENNEC, 1996, p.57
- Des trésors à porter, Bijoux et parures du Maghreb, Collection J.-F. et M.L. Bouvier, Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, 2016, p.57- Africa Adorned, Angela Fisher, William Collins Sons & Co, 1984, p.249
- Bijoux Berbères au Maroc dans la tradition judéo-arabe, David Rouach, ACR, 1989, p.167
- Mémoires Berbères: Des bijoux et des femmes au Maroc, Fond Mercator, Collection Gillion Crowet, 2020, p.292