Enquiry about object: 10181
Algerian Large, Double-Sided Silver & Enamelled Fibula (Ibzimen)
Ben Yenni (Berber) People, Great Kabylia, Algeria circa 1930
length: 24.6cm, width: 12.2cm, weight: 274g
Provenance
private collection, UK
This spectacular, large silver fibula or clothing fastener is richly decorated on both sides with blue, green and yellow enamel. Additionally, the principle side is decorated with large red bakelite plaques to emulate red coral cabochons. (The bakelite is correct for the period – bakelite was first developed in 1907.)
It is from the Ben Yenni, a Berber sub-group, of the Great Kabylia region of Algeria, Northern Africa. Women in Algeria and Morocco would wear them in pairs. Chains could be employed to link them and also to hold amulet boxes.
A very similar example is illustrated in Hoek (2004, p. 22). Another is in Tamzali (1984, p. 16), and also in Borel (1994, p. 53).
Great Kabylia examples such as the one here are notable for their extreme size and exquisite decoration.
The piece is in excellent condition.
References
Borel, F., The Splendour of Ethnic Jewelry: From the Colette and Jean-Pierre Ghysels Collection, Thames & Hudson, 1994.
Hoek, C., et al, Ethnic Jewellery: From Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands, Pepin Press, 2004.
Tamzali, W., Abzim: Parues et Bijoux des Femmes d’Algerie, Enterprise Algerienne de Presse, 1984.
