Fibulae

Fibulae are traditional silver brooches worn in pairs, often joined by a chain. They are used by Amazigh (Berber) women across North Africa to fasten garments.

Known as tizerzai in southern Morocco and tabzimt or adwir in Kabylie, Algeria, each region developed its own distinctive shaped fibula. The shape would often denote exactly which region the wearer was from.

Fibulae were made not only as functional objects but as declarations of identity and status. They were heavily worked in silver, sometimes set with coral, enamel or coloured glass, and understood in many communities to symbolise feminine fertility and protection.

Explore our collection below.