Old Moroccan Silver Coin Necklace
This old silver coin necklace is likely to be from Khenifra in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The eight strands of suspended coins (40 in total) are dated 1299-1310 Hijri years, corresponding to 1882-1893 in the Gregorian calendar. Attached to each strand is a red glass bead for decoration. The chain is also silver.
This necklace would have started life either attached to material or plaiting and been worn as a headdress or alternatively worn as a pectoral, possibly attached to a fibula (brooch) and pinned to clothing. At some point in its lifetime, as is quite common with old ethnic adornment, this piece has been adapted for a different use and made into this attractive necklace. In good vintage condition. A beautiful piece with history, wearable and collectable.
Date:
1940s
Material:
Silver & glass
Dimensions:
Longest strand 19.0 cm
Chain length 41 cm
Weight:
186.0 g
Ref:
NEC-845
References:
cf. Draguet, M. and Merode, N., 2020. Berber Memories. Yale University Press, p. 156-157, plate 82