A beautiful vintage silk woven headband, adorned with multiple lightly gilded silver coins and coral beads, made by the Zaïane tribe, Khenifra, Morocco, first half of the 20^th century. There are ten large coins interspersed with twenty-eight smaller coins. The plaited silk headband is decorated with tiny dangling discs. The attached large, gilded coins are dated 1320-1322 in Hijri years, corresponding with 1902-1905 in the Gregorian calendar. Each coin has subsequently been stamped with the ram’s head hallmark denoting silver purity. Each affixed row of coins is separated by strung coral beads, a few of which have been lost over time. Sixty smaller silver gilded coins dangle down from the main band with even more strung coral beads. These act as an attractive fringe on the forehead of the wearer as they jangle with movement.

This is a spectacular item, rare and beautiful, and highly collectible. It is very substantial and heavy. In good vintage condition. Please note that some of the silk braids have been carefully replaced over time.

References:

Draguet, M. and Merode, N., 2020. Berber Memories. Yale University Press, p. 144, plate 72, 73

Rabaté, M. (1999). Bijoux du Maroc. Edisud, Aix-en-Provence. p. 143