Breast Ornament

Unknown

19th–first half 20th century · Silver and enamel · Islamic Art

These triangular-shaped fibulae (tizerais) would have been affixed to an Amazigh (Berber) woman’s garment at the shoulder. The egg-shaped pendant, known as tagmut, represents fertility, and was suspended at the center of the chest. The central rosette and upper portions of these fibulae, as well as the tagmut bead pendant bear traces of yellow and green enamel, a decorative technique that was believed to have been introduced into Morocco from Spain.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th–first half 20th century

Medium

Silver and enamel

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Bequest of Helen Winslow Durkee Mileham, 1954