North Africa, Morocco, Berber culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A gorgeous piece of traditional Berber jewelry consisting of coral beads, silver ornaments, coins, copal, and glass. The coins are an assortment of mints and denominations including Spanish 50 cent pesos, minted and Moroccan silver rial coins with Arabic script. The rials include the Hijri year; in Gregorian years they were minted between 1881 to 1917 CE. The coins are welded or riveted to suspension loops. All is strung on a braided cotton cord that branches into 7 strands strung with the coins, petite coral beads, and silver conical ornaments and faceted beads. All coalesce at a pair of copal disc beads that flank the large pendant. The pendant is a hollow square that is inlaid with colorful green and yellow enamel as well as blue and red glass. This necklace is a stunning sign of wealth and prosperity and is wearable with an adjustable tie cord. Size of necklace: 31" L (78.7 cm); pendant: 3.5" L x 2.75" W (8.9 cm x 7 cm); largest coin: 1.25" L (3.2 cm); silver quality: 94%
Provenance: ex-Alderfer's of Aspen, Aspen, Colorado, USA
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#166643
Condition
Missing coins on some dangling conical pieces and wire loops. Nicks to coral. Some fraying to tips of cotton thread. Losses and chips to enamel. Areas of dark toning and patina. Three coins are intentionally rubbed smooth, making the faces illegible. Wearable by knotting the cord to adjust the size.