Bead

Unknown

19th–early 20th century · Silver, enamel · Islamic Art

This egg-shaped bead (tagmut) would have been one of several beads on a necklace or pectoral ornament worn by Amazigh (Berber) women in Morocco. The tagmut ornament, like many Amazigh jewels, was valued as a form meant to ensure the fertility of the wearer. The components have been adorned with green and yellow cloisonné enamel, a technique found in much Amazigh jewelry, which is believed to have been introduced to Morocco from Spain.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th–early 20th century

Medium

Silver, enamel

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Marguerite McBey, 1981