With fibulae such as the present ones, worn in pairs, Berber women fasten their traditional wrap dresses on their shoulders. Besides this practical use, fibulae are also beautiful, valued ornamental objects. Several types of fibula have evolved in Morocco over time, and they can be attributed to specific geographical regions:
1: A large ornamental fibula of the Oued Massa, on the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco. Cast and engraved in high-quality silver. The central old silver coin is surmounted by a rose with yellow and pale green enamel (which would suggest that this item was manufactured in Tiznit, the ‘city of jewels’). This is, in turn, topped by a gem made of dark red glass. The same applies to the ends of the thin round bow, by means of which the two end corners of the wrap dress are held together. L: 21.5 cm, W: 10 cm.
2: A small ornamental fibula from the Draa valley, a long oasis at the heart of Morocco. Cast and decoratively hallmarked in high-quality silver. With three projections on each of two sides of the triangular background (typical of the style of the Draa valley). Decorated with pale green, blue and yellow enamel and five small simple roses. L: 15.5 cm, W: 6.8 cm.