Vintage Berber Silver Salhayat Pendant with Rope Chain

Vintage Berber pendant from the first part of the twentieth century. This pendant is known by various names such as hauafer (horseshoe), aqrab (scorpion), hilal (crescent) and salhayat are among its names. Worn by Berber women who have given birth in Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.  It is a talisman for protection. Some believe it is related to birth. 

This old pendant is hallmarked with the Tripoli hallmark. It has two fish for luck and happiness as well as vegetal motifs. The center is a six point star, but one of the points is missing.  The pendant is on a rope chain which also has marks near the clasp. Both the pendant and chain test as positive for silver on a scratch test.  In good vintage condition and ready to wear. A similar pendant is among the Tunisian items in the Quai Branly museum.

• The pendant is 7.5 x 4.2 cm (3 x  1 5/8").
• The chain is 61 cm (24") long and has a jump ring clasp.
• Weight is 49 grams.