Cultures & People

Explore the cultural and symbolic meanings behind Amazigh (Berber) tattoos in Morocco—from rites of passage to tribal identity in women’s body art.

Discover ancient jewellery from Mesopotamia and Iraq: materials, craftsmanship, and cultural meaning in one of the cradles of civilisation!

Ancient Syrian jewellery reveals history from shell beads to Palmyra splendour and medieval goldworking in Raqqa.

This Syrian town produced beautiful jewellery: who were its silversmiths?

An in-depth portrayal of Libyan jewellery

A private collection of Amazigh jewellery in Spain

A huge volume with photographs of Ladakh in the early 1980’s

Follow jewellery throughout a woman’s life: from baby to grandma!

Habiba travelled with Alexine Tinne. What does her jewellery tell us about her?

Very rare, early photos from Sudan, showing hairstyle, jewellery and dress!

Why is jewellery so important in Middle Eastern weddings?

What is the history of Lebanese jewellery? Let ancient trade routes, face beads and Phoenicians take you along!

What is Bedouin jewellery? For starters, it’s not limited to the Arab Peninsula…you might be surprised to learn where Bedouin jewellery can be found.

Traditional silver jewellery from Bethlehem: from the iconic shatweh to the haydari bracelets – illustrated with rarely published photographs.

What is the history of Egyptian jewellery? This historic overview of jewellery along the Nile gives you the basics!

What is the history of Palestinian jewellery? These silver hoards, glass beads and gold jewellery finds tell you more!

Did you know ‘Kuchi’ is not a tribe? No, really! This blog tells you what ‘Kuchi’ actually is, and explores both old and new Kuchi jewellery.