Libyan silver DEBLEJ cuff bracelet with repoussé decoration and hallmark, North African ethnic jewelry

Libyan silver cuff bracelet formed from a curved sheet with an open back. The repoussé and chased decoration combines circular bosses, stylized vegetal motifs, and geometric bands framed by hatched borders. The relief decoration is visible in negative on the interior, showing how the metal sheet was worked. A Libyan hallmark is present near one terminal. This piece belongs to the family of broad bracelets worn as part of Libyan women’s adornment, known locally by names including DEBLEJ. Its construction and decorative arrangement relate it to cuffs attributed to the Tripoli region. The ornament is created entirely through working the silver, without added stones, alternating smooth surfaces with raised decoration.

AGE: Attributed to the first half of the 20th century.

ORIGIN: Libya; probably the Tripoli region.

MATERIAL: Silver with a Libyan hallmark.

TECHNIQUES: Formed silver sheet, repoussé, and chasing.

SIZE: Inner diameter approximately 60 mm; height 47 mm; opening 19 mm.

WEIGHT: 66 g.

CONDITION AND TERMS: Patina and surface scratches from use, with minor irregularities and marks along the borders.

REFERENCES:
- Desert silver, Nomadic and traditional silver jewelry from the Middle East and North Africa, Sigrid van Roode, p.38
- A world of bracelets, Anne van Cutsem, 2003, SKIRA p.29