Obj. ID: 40983
  Sacred and Ritual  Hair Ornament, Morocco, circa 1920

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

In Morocco, most of the gold and silverwork that was carried out in ancient times in the production of jewellery was crafted by Jewish silversmiths. The artisans took refuge in Morocco after the Reconquista in Spain in 1492 and brought with them their skills in jewellery-making, using their own customs and traditions to build a trade which has served to enhance the reputation of Moroccan jewellery. While urban jewellery was predominantly made of gold, rural jewellery was always made of silver/ Silver jewelry was almost exclusively crafted by men who succeeded their father in the profession from generation to generation. Techniques used included enamelling, engraving, filigree, niello and relief work, as well as the attachment of semi-precious stones such as amber, carnelian, coral and turquoise. Beads, which were once used as currency for trading purposes, were also frequently attached to necklaces, adding to their beauty and value. Old silver coins also added value to the piece.

This is an example of a head ornament which is tied around the woman's head with the center on the forehead. The main decoration consists of coins from Morocco and France of the 19th and 20th centuries and colorful beads. Such jewelry was used in all sectors of the populations for weddings and celebrations. With all the silver coins as decoration, this piece may well have served as something for the dowry as well as adornment.