aza
Yaz / Free Person
Also: yaz, tizerzay, aza amazigh
Attested Usage
What is documented — academic sources, fieldwork, museum collections
The Tifinagh letter representing the sound /z/, symbolizing 'free person' (amazigh)
Source:Hagan, H. (2006). Les Berbères: Mémoire et identité
academic · high confidence
The letter aza (ⵣ) is the most widely recognized pan-Amazigh symbol, derived from the root ZRY meaning 'to be free'
Central Tifinagh character, found in ancient Libyan inscriptions
Source:Galand, L. (1966). Inscriptions libyques
academic · high confidence
Oral Interpretations
What people say it means — often multiple, sometimes contradictory
“The mark of a free person - we are not slaves, we are imazighen”
— Cultural activist, Tizi Ouzou, Tizi Ouzou (2019)
Commonly cited interpretation in Kabyle cultural revival movement
“Our ancestors' mark - it connects us to those who came before”
— Elderly woman with traditional tattoos, Taroudant (2018)
Contemporary Readings
How modern artists, communities, and movements reinterpret today
Pan-Amazigh identity symbol, representing cultural pride and indigenous rights
By:Amazigh Cultural Movement
Context:Used in flags, protests, cultural events since 1970s
Emblem of Berber unity across North Africa
By:World Amazigh Congress
Context:Official symbol on Amazigh flag (blue, green, yellow with red yaz)
Language Connections
Linked Words
Related Roots
to be free, noble
Ancient root attested across Berber languages
Historical Context
Attested since:ancient
Found in Libyan inscriptions dating to 3rd century BCE. One of the most stable Tifinagh characters across time and space.
Archaeological evidence:Numerous Libyan-Berber stelae, rock carvings throughout Sahara
Sources
- Hagan 2006
- Galand 1966
- Chaker 1984
Last updated: 2024-06-01