Moroccan, Fez

This lebba, or necklace, was crafted in Morocco by an Indigenous Amazigh maker. Lebba like this one were symbols of high status in North Africa, worn by Jewish and Muslim Amazigh brides and upper-class women in celebrations. Here nine hanging pendants are set with red, blue, and green glass beads. The horned triangular shape topping each pendant resembles an abstracted khamsa, a protective hand motif, and is followed by rosettes and crescent shapes encapsulating droplets. Across many cultures, these symbols are used to ward off evil. The flowers and seedlings inlaid in sparkling beads symbolize fertility and growth.