asaru
Serpent / Snake
Also: afiγer, zigzag, water symbol
Attested Usage
What is documented — academic sources, fieldwork, museum collections
Water flowing - rivers, irrigation channels, life-giving water
Source:Becker, C. (2006). Amazigh Arts in Morocco
academic · high confidence
In arid regions, the serpent/water symbol is particularly important
The serpent that guards thresholds - protector of boundaries
Source:Lacoste-Dujardin, C. (1970). Le conte kabyle
ethnographic · medium confidence
Oral Interpretations
What people say it means — often multiple, sometimes contradictory
“The zigzag is water coming down the mountain - we put it in carpets to bring water to our homes”
— Weaver in mountain village, Tafraoute (2019)
“The serpent is dangerous but also powerful - it protects what it guards”
— Elder discussing wall paintings, Tizi Ouzou (2020)
Note: Some see serpent as purely negative
Language Connections
Usage Notes
Note
In some regions, depicting the serpent too realistically is avoided
Historical Context
Attested since:ancient
Serpent/water symbolism found in prehistoric Saharan rock art
Sources
- Becker 2006
- Lacoste-Dujardin 1970
Last updated: 2024-06-01