North African Folk Art

Amazing and scarce JUDAICA object, we have here one of the most touching jewish objects we had for a long time, this small silver dowry box was made in Algeria in the early 19th century, it is all covered with symbols of jewish faith and of couples, the sliding lid has 2 flanking birds with hamsa (protective hand) on each side and a flower vase in the middle. one side shows two flanking lions with a tree in the middle and the other side shows again two big and two small birds with a flower bowl in the middle, front side has a key hole and next to it there is the Hebrew inscription ס״ט״" which says Siman tov or in English "a good sign" it is taken from the wedding blessing, underneath the lock there is another inscription with the name ״עזיזה בת אברהם בן חמו״ which is the name of the bride, her father and her grandfathers name. the box is full marked a lot of times with the silversmith mark, every side of the box is marked. this box was probably ordered by the grooms family to hold the jewelry they are giving to the bride as dowry, this type of objects are rare and there are just a few of them on museum collections. DOWRY (Heb. נְדֻנְיָה), the property a wife brings to her husband at marriage; the Yiddish equivalent, nadn, is from the same root. The custom of nedunyah became clearly defined and institutionalized only in the talmudic period. In biblical times, mohar (מֹהַר), whereby the groom bought his wife from her father (Gen. 24:53; Ex. 22:15–16; Hos. 3:2), was the accepted practice. It was then customary that the groom give the bride gifts, and that she bring certain property to her husband's home upon marriage: slaves, cattle, real estate, etc. (cf. Gen. 24:59–61; 29; Judg. 1:14ff.; I Kings 9:16). Evidence of the custom of nedunyah is to be found in Tobit (7:14; 8:21) and in the Assuan papyri (Cowley, Aramaic, nos. 15, 18). Gradually, mohar was superseded by the ketubbah custom according to which the husband merely assumed the responsibility of compensation to his wife in case he divorced her: he had to pay her 200 zuzim if she had been a virgin at the time of marriage, and 100 zuzim if a widow or divorcée (see *Ketubbah). By talmudic times, the institution of nedunyah was prevalent; the father gave a dowry to the bride since the daughter was excluded from paternal inheritance. Fifty zuzim (equivalent to the worth of 180 grams of silver) was the minimum amount a father was obliged to give to his daughter (Ket. 6:5). Parents usually gave much more, according to their social standing. Community funds provided the dowry for an orphan or a very poor girl (ibid.; cf. Sh. Ar., YD 251:8). In case of her father's death, the brothers of a minor girl were obliged to give her the minimum dowry, and the court estimated how much her father would have given her above the minimum dowry. The sum was then taken out of the father's estate and given to the daughter upon majority (Ket. 6:6; 68a–69b). In the absence of such an estimate, each daughter was entitled to receive one-tenth of the value of her father's estate in money, or in valuables (Yad, Ishut, 20:4–7; Sh. Ar., EH 113:4). If the father was unable or unwilling to pay the promised dowry at the betrothal ceremony, the groom could refuse to marry his bride (Ket. 13:5; Ket. 108b–109a). Insistence on exact payment of the promised dowry, however, was frowned upon by later rabbinic authorities (Rema to Sh. Ar., EH 2:1). In certain communities it was customary for the groom's father to make a dowry contribution equal to that of the bride's father (Ket. 102b). The dowry, whether given in real estate, slaves, money, or chattel was recorded in the marriage contract (the ketubbah) and in some instances one-third or one-fifth of the actual value of the dowry was added to the sum mentioned in the ketubbah. Based upon a decree enacted by *Simeon b. Shetah (first century C.E.), the Talmud ruled that the husband and his entire property were liable for compensation as stipulated in the ketubbah, either in case he died (when she collected the sum specified in the ketubbah from the heirs) or in case he divorced his wife (Ket. 82b). For the status of the dowry and the husband's rights and obligations, see below. The rabbinic enactments (Takkanot Shum) by R. Jacob *Tam and by the rabbinic synod of the communities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz (Germany) stipulated that if a woman died...

Handcrafted Moroccan horse saddle cover made for a ceremonial Festival and shows. Elaborately embroidered overall in gold threads, comprising of a saddl...

African Moroccan Tuareg tribal Khoumya arm dagger in dark brown leather sheath. great to use as a paper cutter on desk. Handcrafted by Artisans in south Morocco, very fine quality craftsmanship with a stamped leather engraved with Moroccan Tuareg geometric tribal designs. The arm dagger was a weapon widely used by people across Africa in the Sahara and Sudanic Africa, from the central Sahara to North Cameroon, from Nigeria to Somalia. It was worn in a sheath attached to the inner side of the left forearm by a loop, Metal steel blade shows some rust, leather in very good condition. Size: 13 inches length x widest part 1.5 inches. Blade is 1 inch. Africa, Morocco circa 1940s. Great Islamic antique Nomadic Tuareg knife dagger...

Beautiful cobalt blue Moroccan footed ceramic bowl with silvered metal overlay. Great large decorative ceramic bowl. Measures: Diameter 11 inches x 4 ...

Hand Carved antique African Moroccan burl wood large spoon. Large Moroccan ethnic folk art hand crafted and carved large cooking spoon. Great patina, rou...

Moroccan orientalist oil on canvas painting of a 19th century Moroccan rug market scene with an sellers seating on a pile of carpet and two other men wearing traditional colorful robes standing and checking the goods. The background depict an old house with wooden mucharabie and Moorish arches. Contemporary French oil on canvas orientalist painting of a Moroccan market...

Moroccan glazed polychrome ceramic tureen with cover. Hand painted ceramic Jubbana, handcrafted by skilled Moroccan artisans in Fez Morocco. Moorish desi...

This 19th century Moroccan Berber chest is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Made from pine wood, it features beautifully painted sides and top, showcasing intricate patterns and vibra...

:: Antique handmade African Neolithic era marble bracelet. These marble bracelets were hand carved in North Africa and likely used for currency. This piece is a unique collectible, w...

Vintage Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The...

O/5530 - Long curved axis for Tuareg tent, carved with geometric patterns : rare to find. For Your use: ask to an architect, but I have some idea, like ab...

Elegant old cedar wood sweet large Egyptian mummy mask, 13 Inches high. Soft weathered surface and great expression. Areas of chips, erosion and li...

Pair of Moroccan green and brown ceramic urns with lid and handles. Great Moorish style handcrafted and chiselled decorative ceramic urns etched with Arabic calligraphy poetry writin...

Moroccan Berber cable hand-carved with tribal African designs. Rectangular wooden coffee table hand-carved wit tribal designs by skilled Moroccan artisans in Marrakech. Dark brown ...

A 1920s handcrafted Ethnic bracelet by Berber women of Morocco. Women wear this kind of bracelet and silver jewelry for special ceremonies and wedding. Silver, but not of the standa...

1960s authentic vintage Moroccan tribal wedding rug with sequins North Africa, Handira.Rare large authentic Moroccan Bohemian style rug, handwoven by women...

A long Berber necklace, hand-crafted with Copal amber large beads and silver accents. Morocco, early 20th Century. Copal amber is a tree resin similar to amber but not fully fossil...

Moroccan authentic vintage tribal rug handwoven by Berber Moroccan women using organic lamb wo and organic dye.Vintage Berber rug from the Taznakht tribe in south eastern Morocco. Ra...

Pair of very decorative large handcrafted Moorish, Spanish style ceramic urns planters from Fez, Metal handles, bottom and top adorned with embossed metal. Great decorative large ce...

Moroccan glazed ceramic urn with lid from Fez. Moorish style ceramic handcrafted and hand-painted with Arabic calligraphy pink writing. This kind of Art Writing looks calligraphic...

Large antique Moroccan glazed ceramic urn with lid from Fez turned into a lamp. Large Moroccan Ceramic Table Lamp with Moorish Spanish Granada Des...

Moroccan Handcrafted Metal Hanging Lanterns, North Africa set of 2. Moroccan metal Moorish hanging lanterns. Amazing Moorish light fixtures hand...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp s...

Vintage Moroccan flat-weave stripes Kilim rug.Large size blanket vintage Moroccan rug, handwoven by Berber women in Morocco for their own use.This rug ...

Large Moroccan glazed royal blue ceramic urn with lid from Fez. Vintage Moorish style ceramic handcrafted and hand painted with Arabic calligraphy w...

Finely carved wooden bust of a striking tribeswoman figure carved from an exotic hardwood with a rich patina free standing. Dimensions Height 22 Inches Width 13 Inches Depth 17 Inches

Great decorative Moroccan Berber Tuareg metal brass powder flask. African decorative brass with front richly decorated with Moorish embossed brass ocverlay. Moroccan tribal powder fl...

Large pair of Moroccan glazed polychrome ceramic water jug with handle. Hand painted ceramic handcrafted by skilled Moroccan artisans in Fez Morocco...

Metallic red and gold brocade maxi dress kaftan hand made by Moroccan artist. Handmade vintage exotic 1970s gold and red metallic brocade ceremonial caftan gown from North Africa, M...

Elegant vintage designer Moroccan white brocade kaftan, embroidered with Turkish gold threads design. This chic Bohemian white, gold and light turquois...

1960s authentic Moroccan tribal wedding rug with sequins North Africa, Handira. Handwoven vintage Moroccan Berber Tribal Handira ethnic textile. Moroccan Bohemian style rug, handwoven by the Berber women of the Zemmour tribe for their wedding day. The design on this ethnic carpet is white, red and black in geometrical motifs on a red and white background and adorned with some sequins to sparkle under the moon light. ( sequins cod be easily removed if needed), Handwoven by the Berber tribes in Atlas Mountains of Morocco with traditional geometric tribal designs. Midcentury organic vintage Handira...

A rare and unusual Berber carpet from the Rehamna area, located in the plains near Marrakesh, distinguished by an orange background decorated uniquely by two vertical arrangements of conjoined diamond placed at the extreme sides of the field. What is quite unusual is the presence of three stars of David embellishing the center of the field, indicating that the carpet was possibly woven for a Moroccan Jewish...

Large Moroccan glazed royal blue ceramic urn with lid from Fez. Vintage Moorish style ceramic handcrafted and hand painted with Arabic calligraphy wr...

A unique flat-weave with a very robust texture obtained by brocading a warp-faced fabric composed of very thick woolen light orange wefts. It is inspired by the reed carpets of the T...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sha...

Handcrafted Moroccan Moorish amber painted glass perfume bottle or rose water sprinkler with raised embossed silvered metal floral design over amber glass. The pressed glass bottle in Art Deco, Art Nouveau style is oval shape with curved sides and hand decorated with embossed metal silvered overlay. This has a long metal top spout that unscrews. This is a recycled vintage French perfume...

Vintage Moroccan flat-weave stripe Kilim rug.Large size blanket vintage Moroccan rug, handwoven by Berber women in Morocco for their own use.This ethnic rug was made using flat-weave technique with linear pattern of alternating stripes in different cors in green, red, pink, black and ivory (a natural wo cor).This vintage Moroccan Kilim ethnic textile...

Moroccan vintage Berber rug from the Beni Ouarain tribes. Lush white and black organic wool rug with geometrical lozenges designs. From the Middle Atlas Mountains, circa 1950s, North...

Large Moroccan ceramic decorative serving tajine polychrome with leather, stones and metal overlay with conical overlay lid. The bottom is a circular ceramic bowl and the top of the tagine is distinctively shaped into a cone. Handcrafted and hand painted with Moorish designs by artisans in Fez Morocco. Great decorative Moroccan Folk ceramic...

Vintage Moroccan caftan in peach brocade. Maxi dress kaftan handmade by Moroccan artist designer. Handcrafted vintage exotic 1970s ceremonial caftan g...

Vintage Moroccan flat-weave Kilim rug.Large size blanket vintage Moroccan rug, handwoven by Berber women in Morocco for their own use.This rug was made...

The Beni Ouarain confederation is composed of seventeen tribes inhabiting the high mountain region of the northeastern Middle Atlas. Their rugs differ from other Berber weavings in t...

Large Moroccan glazed ceramic vase from Fez. Moorish Granada style ceramic handcrafted and hand painted with Arabic calligraphy writing. This kind of art writing looks calligraphic i...

Amazing vintage caftan, royal blue silk velvet heavily hand embroidered with silver trim, circa 1970s The velvet kaftan is handcrafted and embel...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Art pieces could be used as wall lamp shade...

Moroccan Berber handwoven tribal throw pillow made from a vintage rug. The front and the back are made from a different rug, front is more elabor...

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large triangle hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp sh...

An early 20th century animal hide, wood and leather tops shield from Southern Sudan.

Vintage Red Ethnic Moroccan Fluffy Rug.Vintage authentic tribal Moroccan Berber rug from the Middle Atlas mountains. Monochromatic red ethnic African rug wi...

Handcrafted Moroccan Moorish red painted glass perfume bottle or rose water sprinkler with raised embossed silvered metal floral design over red g...

Moroccan authentic Berber ethnic handwoven tribal throw pillow made from a vintage rug.The front and the back are made from a different rug, front...

Vintage hooded Moroccan emerald green caftan with gold trim embroidered, circa 1970s. This light summery djellabah is crafted in Morocco and tailo...

African Tribal Art wall shade metal sconce shade. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp shade or just art work. Iron frame with tribal...

Moroccan tribal Berber wooden sugar hammer. Handcrafted by the Berber women of Morocco, hand-carved wood with tribal design, this folk art instrument is a...

The carpets of the Rehamna derive from the Haouz, a landscape of hills and plains situated between the Middle Atlas and the Atlantic ocean mostly inhabited by Arabic groups and arabi...

The Beni Ouarain confederation is composed of seventeen tribes inhabiting the high mountain region of the northeastern Middle Atlas. Their rugs differ from other Berber weavings in t...

Moroccan ethnic handwoven tribal throw pillow made from a vintage rug. The front of this Berber pillow and the back are made from a different rug, fron...

Large pair of Moroccan Damask green floral bolster lumbar decorative pillows. Great to use as accent pillows on a bed or sofa throw pillows. Pillow ...

Beautiful brass mounted antique ceramic bowl. Very good condition and Color.

African Tribal Art parchment wall shade sconce featuring a large curved hide form stitched on iron and hand painted surface. These Moroccan Art pieces could be used as wall lamp shad...