A stunning complete antique silver headdress made by the Beni Ouarain tribes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco, in the early 20^th century. It comprises the chain which attaches to the woman’s veil with very ornate hooks, and the temporals which hang down either side of the woman’s head to act as earrings. The silver chain attaches to the veil in three places to make it secure and has two old, shaped dangles with coral which hang down over the wearer’s forehead for further decoration. The large silver hoop earrings are suspended from the chain. They are called ’cobra heads’ and are moulded and feature an openwork design. Suspended from each hoop are four chain dangles with coral beads and further shaped and patterned motifs. The dangles make a beautiful jangling sound when the headdress is worn.

This is a very old and solid headdress with fabulous ornate design and chunky coral beads. It has a lovely patina developed over years of wear and is in very good antique condition. A magnificent and rare collector’s piece. Last photo is from the MAP jewellery museum in Marrakech.

References:

Rouach, D. (1989) Bijoux Berbères au Maroc: Dans La Tradition Judéo-Arabe. Courbevoie: ARC Ed. p. 76

Rabaté, M. (1999). Bijoux du Maroc. Edisud, Aix-en-Provence. p. 165