Fibula (One of a Pair)
The distinct pear-shape of the main part of this fibula is typical that of the Zayan Amazigh (Berbers), who live in the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Such jewels would have attached a draped garment at the shoulder. Silver chains suspend Moroccan rials, or coins, which bear the date A.H. 1321 or A.H. 1903. Moroccan coins, as well as outdated currency from Spain and France, can often be found on Amazigh jewelry, which truly makes these pieces a type of portable wealth. Moreover, the sound of the coins hitting one another as the wearer moved added an auditory component to these beautiful jewels.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fibula (One of a Pair)
- Date: late 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Attributed to Morocco
- Medium: SIlver, enamel, coral
- Classification: Jewelry
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Spear Jr., 1982
- Object Number: 1982.142.3
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
late 19th–early 20th century
ca. 1300
19th–20th century
19th–early 20th century
late 19th–early 20th century
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.