North Africa, Morocco, Berber culture, ca. mid-20th century CE. A traditional Berber necklace consisting of coral beads and silver talisman ornaments, strung on multiple cotton threads with a chain and hook clasp attached to the end of the four strands. Thick woven yarn tassels are also tied to the ends with dangling shell beads and silver Moroccan coins displaying stamped Islamic Hijra years 1299, 1313, 1316, and 1320 (corresponds to 1881, 1895, 1898, 1902 CE.) This necklace was a stunning sign of wealth and prosperity and the silver spiral pattern on the medallions is a Berber symbol for life cycles. Size of coral strand: 17" L (43.2 cm); silver medallions: 2.5" L x 1.5" W (6.4 cm x 3.8 cm); silver quality: 71.3% to 71.4%

Provenance: private British Columbia, Canada collection, gifted from aunt in Tucson, Arizona, USA, acquired prior to 1994

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#182682

Cleanable dark patina and toning to silver. One coral strand has modern monofilament wire to replace the thread. Minor nicks to coral and rubbing to coins. Some fraying to yarn tassels. Overall great vintage and used condition.