Objects of Adornment
Middle Eastern Jewellery
The Ottoman-style kirdan in the Middle East
Discover the Ottoman-style kirdan: chokers from Egypt, Syria, and Tunisia. A jewellery historian explores their history, style, and cultural meaning.
Amazigh fibulas of North Africa
What are Amazigh fibulas? Learn their anatomy, symbolism, and cultural meaning in North Africa’s living jewellery traditions.
Silver grooming sets from Afghanistan: everyday tools with many meanings
From earspoons to toothpicks, Afghan silver grooming tools combined function with protection. Discover their role in jewellery and daily life.
Clove jewellery: fragrant necklaces in Middle Eastern & North African traditions
Discover the role of cloves in jewellery from Morocco to Palestine. Learn about clove necklaces in weddings, amulets against spirits, and the symbolism of fragrance.
Deir ez-Zor as a jewellery centre
This Syrian town produced beautiful jewellery: who were its silversmiths?
Coin jewellery in the Middle East
Coin jewellery in the Middle East and North Africa: what is it, and what can it tell us?
The Maria Theresia Thaler
The first universal coin, that continues to be popular today!
Scented paste jewellery of North Africa
A closer look at scented paste jewellery in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Algeria. This blog post explores how fragrance, material, and cultural meaning come together in skhab beads worn by women as part of traditional adornment.
Djerba gilded pendants
Would you have guessed the meaning of their design…?
Kabylia necklaces: a history
Kabylia necklaces: a history of loyalty, fierce women and identity.
Draa Valley necklace
A sumptuous necklace from the Draa Valley, Morocco: a story of many lives and afterlives.
Omani silver braid ornaments
Omani silver hair ornaments: the one use you did not expect!
Spanish pillar dollar
It’s one of the forgotten coins…but you may already know more than you realize!
A Palestinian wuqaya
A wuqaya headdress from Ramallah and Jerusalem: who wore this, and how did a German token coin end up with it?
Tuareg silver&carnelian ring
A silver Tuareg ring with a pointy carnelian: a hair ring, or a finger ring? Learn to identify them in this article!
Perfume jewels: meskia
What is a meskia from Algeria and Tunisia? See its history and meaning in this blog!
Intricacy and doves
Learn to read the symbolism and history of a Tunisian silver bracelet in this post.