Khlal fibula

This fibula is a good example of the influence of Jewish silversmiths in North Africa. It has been attributed to the artisan Moshe Nemni or one of his students. Moshe Nemni was a Jewish silversmith of Italian origin who came from Libya to settle in Tunisia before the Second World War. During his lifetime, his work became known throughout Tunisia. He also trained other smiths to apply his uniquely recognizable artistry, technique and know-how. His style can be identified here by the way the birds are depicted with rectangular tail feathers.

Omega fibulas like this one were used to connect the two parts of traditional Tunisian garb, the draped robe and the mantle. They were worn by the women of the nomadic tribes of the south of the country, in the region around Medenine and Tataouine. The fish decorations most likely had a prophylactic and symbolic value, summoning the woman’s fertility, as was often the case around the entire Mediterranean Sea.