One pair of anklets and one pair of bracelets

Description

a) pair of anklets, Middle Atlas, Aït Jelidassen, silver (87), cast and engraved, Dd 6.9 cm / 8.2 cm (inside/outside), h: 2.3 cm, weight: 203 & 205 g

b) pair of bracelets “azbi n’iqourrain”, Draa Valley, Ait Atta, silver (750), solid cast, twelve rays, d: 5.8 cm / 11.5 cm (inside/outside), h: 4.5 cm, weight: 587 g & 590 g

‘Azbi n’iqourrain’ bracelets were always worn in pairs. They were given to brides as part of the dowry. The twelve “thorns” of these bracelets take up the symbol of the twelve-pointed sun, which is a symbol of fertility in many indigenous cultures. These bracelets were reserved for married women. The considerable (silver) value of the objects provided a certain security in times of need and meant at least some material independence.