ticketsMember | Make a donation

Fibula

20th century
Not on view
This fibula is ornamented with brightly colored enamels that are typical of the Kabylie region in Algeria. The central round element is a repurposed 19th century French Franc, which is identifiable from the verso, but has been completely covered over with enamel and large silver granulation on the recto. The pin at the top of the object indicates it would have been used to keep a cloth garment in place, but the circular shape with pendants is also known as "tabzimt" and is sometimes worn attached to a head scarf.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fibula
  • Date: 20th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Algeria, Kabylie
  • Medium: Silver, French coin, filigree, coral
  • Dimensions: H. 4 13/16 in. (12.2 cm)
    W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
    D. 1/4 in. (0.6 cm)
  • Classification: Jewelry
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Helen Winslow Durkee Mileham, 1954
  • Object Number: 55.111.42
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Fibula, One of a Pair, Silver, enamel, imitation coral
Fibula, One of a Pair
first half 20th century
Fibula, One of a Pair, Silver, enamel, imitation coral
Fibula, One of a Pair
first half 20th century
Earring, One of a Pair, Silver sheet, filigree, enamel, coral and imitation coral
Earring, One of a Pair
first half 20th century
Earring, One of a Pair, Silver sheet, filigree, enamel, coral and imitation coral
Earring, One of a Pair
first half 20th century
Earring, One of a Pair, Silver sheet, filigree, enamel, coral and imitation coral
Earring, One of a Pair
first half 20th century

Related Content

Perspectives

Articles, audio, and video from The Met's online magazine.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.