tafza
Fibula / Brooch
Also: tizerzay, tabzimt, brooch pin
Attested Usage
What is documented — academic sources, fieldwork, museum collections
Symbol of married woman's status - worn in pairs to fasten garments
Source:Ramirez, F. & Rolot, C. (1995). Tapis et tissages du Maroc
academic · high confidence
The fibula pair represents the bond of marriage - one is incomplete
Wealth indicator and protection talisman combined
Source:Camps, G. (1980). Berbères: Aux marges de l'histoire
academic · high confidence
Oral Interpretations
What people say it means — often multiple, sometimes contradictory
“A woman without her fibulas is like a house without a door”
— Elderly woman discussing traditional dress, Tiznit (2018)
“The triangles point down to earth and up to sky - the woman connects both”
— Silversmith explaining jewelry symbolism, Béjaïa (2021)
Language Connections
Usage Notes
Ritual Use
Central element of bridal jewelry, worn in pairs. Given by groom's family.
Note
Traditionally inappropriate for unmarried women to wear certain fibula styles
Historical Context
Attested since:classical
Fibula form dates to ancient Mediterranean traditions but took distinctive Amazigh forms
Archaeological evidence:Bronze and silver fibulae found in Numidian tombs
Sources
- Ramirez & Rolot 1995
- Camps 1980
Last updated: 2024-06-01