Kinship and rituals. Joyful days

Amazighs, with the exception of matrilinear Tuaregs for whom lineage passes through the female line, are patrilinear of masculine lineage; patrilocal, given that the new ties are established in the community of the husband; of preferential inbreeding, with a marriage between paternal first cousins, and with an extended family with strong cohesion of close and blood relations. In this social context, kinship and family rituals are of key importance, and here we can see a close link with jewellery. Of particular importance is the wedding day, as the future wife must show off the jewels given to her by her husband or his family, while the women who go to the reception must wear those of their family group. The wedding reception is the most celebrated ritual among the Amazighs both because it strengthens the blood ties or alliance and because it guarantees the meeting of a family group that can be spread all over the territory.

Other notable ceremonies are circumcision and burials. Also important are the festivals that coincide with the agriculture or pastoral calendar, and with the Muslim calendar.

Everyone knows the status of the group when the women show off the jewels in one of the family rituals. The interest in showing an improvement in economic situation means that they sometimes take advantage of a family or local festival to acquire new pieces of jewellery.


One of the most characteristic jewels of the Siwa oasis is this necklace made in solid silver. It is formed by a ring placed around the neck, 2 to 3 centimetres thick, called aghraw. It is used by the wealthiest women of the oasis. Single women hang a big disc decorated with the motif of the cross accompanied by other engraved floral and geometric elements called adrim and they will never wear it again once married. The other silver ornaments typical of the Siwa oasis are bracelets, rings, earrings, some also with clusters, and different kinds of necklaces.