Three Kabyle fibulas
Description
- large enamelled triangle fibula “ibzimen”, silver, enamelled in yellow, blue and green (also on the back), silver beads, three large and six small coral cabochons, m: 20.5 cm x 9.8 cm; w: 175 g
Triangle fibulas were worn in pairs in the classical manner, connected with a chain, or with a pectoral with amulet box. A very beautifully worked older object of representative size.
round fibula without pendant “tabzimt” or “taharavt”, silver(?) alloy, enamelled in yellow, blue and green (also on the reverse), silver beads, with five large cabochons of red celluloid, originally with pendants, eyelets for fastening ground off, d: 8,2 cm; w: 92 g
openwork triangle fibula with fragment of a pectoral, small Kabylei, silver(?) alloy, cast and engraved, silver beads, cabochons of bakelite, m: 18.5 cm x 8.2 cm; w: 265 g
Bakelite (phenolic resin) was used as a “substitute” for coral in Algerian jewellery objects very early (shortly after its industrial production began). However, it is rarer to find than the cheaper celluloid. It was not considered “inferior” or “cheap” and was also used in elaborately crafted pieces like this one.