Vintage Large Berber Silver Salhayat Pendant

Vintage Berber pendant from the first half 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 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 shapes on the sides that might be fish for fertility as well as vegetal motifs. The center is a five-pointed star.  The pendant is in good vintage condition and ready to wear. A similar pendant is among the Tunisian items in the Quai Branly museum.

• The pendant is 10 x 5.7 cm (4 x  2 3/8").
• Weight is 33 grams.

For more Amazigh jewelry, please check out the Berber Collection.