tit
Eye
Also: allen, eye of protection
Attested Usage
What is documented — academic sources, fieldwork, museum collections
Protection against the evil eye (ayn, tiṭṭ n lḥsed)
Source:Becker, C. (2006). Amazigh Arts in Morocco
academic · high confidence
The eye turns back the malevolent gaze - it sees what wishes harm
Vigilance and awareness - the eye that watches over the household
Source:Lacoste-Dujardin, C. (1970). Le conte kabyle
ethnographic · high confidence
Oral Interpretations
What people say it means — often multiple, sometimes contradictory
“The eye sees evil coming and stops it at the door”
— Elderly man, guardian of traditional house, Tafraoute (2020)
“My grandmother said the eye keeps the jealous away - they see it looking back at them”
— Middle-aged woman discussing her tattoos, Agadir (2019)
Language Connections
Associated Phrases
ⵓⵔ ⴰⴽ ⵜⵉⵍⵉ ⵜⵉⵟⵟ
ur ak tili tiṭṭ
“May no evil eye befall you”
Blessing/protection phrase
Usage Notes
Ritual Use
Placed on doors and thresholds to protect home. Applied as tattoo on face (forehead, chin) for personal protection.
Note
Some traditions hold that painting an eye incorrectly can attract rather than repel harm
Historical Context
Attested since:classical
Eye symbolism is ancient Mediterranean but takes specific forms in Amazigh tradition
Related Symbols
Sources
- Becker 2006
- Lacoste-Dujardin 1970
- Fieldwork 2019-2020
Last updated: 2024-06-01