For instance, women wear a fibula as a brooch to decorate a dress or as an accent piece on their hair. The Khalkhal is another jewelry piece heavily inspired by the Arab, Andalusian, and Ottoman influence. This accessory is an ankle bracelet, or anklet, typically made from gold, silver, or an amalgam of both materials. Moroccan Princess Lalla Meryem and her beautiful daughter, Lalla Soukaïna, wore stunning kaftan dresses at the religious wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco. In Tafraoute, Tiznit, and Inezgane, you can find antique Moroccan jewelry on display, with some rare occasions of stumbling into unique pieces that qualify as rare pieces of art. Moreover, Taroudant is also worth a visit if you’re on the hunt for authentic traditional jewelry. Traditionally, the Khalkhal featured several charms and talismans, mainly the khamsa or hand of Fatima, as well as a depiction of the evil eye.

Moroccan belts are not just decorative items; they also possess cultural symbolism. They are often associated with traditional clothing, such as djellabas (robes), caftans, takshitas or other traditional dresses. Wearing a Moroccan belt adds a touch of elegance and cultural identity to the overall outfit. Essentially, a Moroccan belt or mdamma a handmade, culturally significant accessory that epitomizes Morocco's artistic heritage. It combines aesthetics with functionality and serves as a symbolic and practical addition to traditional clothing. According to history, the caftan made its first appearance in ancient Persia and was introduced in Morocco at the end of the 11th century through the Andalusians who had settled in North Africa. It was initially an attire worn only by wealthy men and nobles to symbolize wealth and power. It was the sultan Ahmed Al Mansour who actually popularized the caftan in the 16th century. In that period, the attire was named Al-Mansouria in reference to the sultan. On the other hand, in the south Atlas region, the ’Nbala’ is a staple hinged bracelet that is often etched to display charming and quaint motifs. Types of Moroccan Jewelry MdamaThe fibula is one of the most prominent symbols, it consists of a silver triangle, often engraved or decorated with colorful stones, and used to hold together an outer layer or as an ornamental piece. There is another Ensemble Artisanal in Marrakech too, and it’s a good starting point to explore local markets and what they have to offer.

The majestic splendor of this heritage is still as vibrant today and it remains one of the richest expressions of Moroccan culture. Whether you’re shopping in the Souks of ancient Medinas or you’re browsing online, finding antique Moroccan jewelry will prove to be a daunting task. A Moroccan bride will often accessorize hers with a mix of large traditional jewelry pieces, including a tiara or crown. The more, the better. Based on how wealthy her family is and the social status of her husband-to-be, the mdama could be made from pure gold, featuring different engravings, and ornamented with a variety of stones (mostly red and green).In the 17th century, Moroccan women started wearing kaftan dresses cut in beautiful materials and decorated with intricate embroideries. Each region of Morocco added its distinct touch. While there are as many Moroccan caftan designs as there are regions in Morocco, the main caftans are are those of Tetouan – Chamali, the caftans of Fez – Fassi, and the caftans of Rabat – Rbati. The Khamsa, the Eye of Fatima, or the Hand of Fatima is a symbol of Moroccan-Jewish descent that represents a hand with the power of warding off evil and protecting the wearer from negative energy.

A kaftan is a long one-piece dress embellished with elaborate ornamentation techniques passed down from generations of maalems, the kaftan artisans. The dress is trimmed with sfifa, a Fez-made silk braid, and closed with a row of cherry-shaped buttons named aakad, made in the city of Sefrou, home to the annual cherry festival. The design of a Moroccan belt is often made of gold (also real gold) and silver and also gold-plated copper, it is characterized by vibrant metallic colors, geometric patterns and ornate decorations. Skilled artisans use age-old techniques to create these belts, which reflect the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Moroccan culture. The metalwork and processing on the strap are carefully crafted and show the artistry and attention to detail. One of the most popular ones is the hand of Fatima, the daughter of the prophet Muhammad, that is used to ward off the evil eye. The caftan can sometimes be accompanied by a belt ( m’damma) made of finely chiseled solid gold and encrusted with a flower named fakrone– or turtle – in the center that is supposed to bring happiness and protect the wear from the evil eye. Moroccan Kaftans are usually worn with high heels and accessorized with a clutch bag and/or a few jewelry pieces, either discrete or dramatic.

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When it comes to colors, there are really no rules. Moroccan kaftan dresses can be in either pastel, dark or flashy colors, or even a mix of the three. Most Moroccan women have inherited those accessories from their mothers and grandmothers, so parting with them verges on the impossible due to how much sentimental value they hold. The southern jewelry in Morocco usually consists of varying blends of silver and bronze ornamented with geometric or floral shapes and patterns. Because this is such a ubiquitous part of Moroccan heritage, you will find that most Moroccan women own at least a couple of accessories featuring this beautiful and unique symbol. Antique Moroccan Jewelry

As we progress in history, the mdama starts to evolve into a belt made from a structured material that is almost cardboard-like, then draped in the same material of the dress it is to be worn with (whether it be silk, brocade, velvet, or cotton). Khalkhal If a price seems too good to be true, then it probably is. You can also factor in the weight of each piece, whether it feels flimsy or well-made, the look of the stones, are they too shiny or too dim. My first relationship with a Moroccan kaftan – also spelled caftan – was through embroidery at my aunt’s kaftan atelier. She was a kaftan fairy and I spent countless hours in her atelier learning beading and embroidery. I was fascinated by the intricate artwork involved in making a kaftan dress, and my fascination grew bigger with time as I learned more about the richness of this Moroccan garb. If you are looking for an artisanal piece that is both handmade and hand-embroidered, I have detailed where in my Morocco shopping guide. The best approach is to shop for your caftan directly from a respected traditional Moroccan tailor who will customize an existing piece or create one from scratch.

Moroccan leather belts

Moreover, we can see how Berber and Tuareg traditions interlaced in the jewelry they produced, a fusion of two powerful and vigorous legacies. While the most popular ones are made from 925 silver, there are, however, many bracelet sets made from gold (these are usually worn at weddings or special occasions). In Morocco, women can design their kaftans from scratch with the help of a tailor, which I did many times – and loved doing. The process takes a little longer, but the result is literally the dress of your dreams!