Obj. ID: 41033  Hair Ornament, Morocco, circa 1905

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, and 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.

These are two hair ornament pieces of jewelry made by Jewish silversmiths in Morocco. They comprise cut pieces of silver, coins, coral beads and chains. The coins date from 1892 to 1902, giving he probable period of creation. They were hung from a cloth wrapped around the woman's head and could have been used by either Jews or Arabs.