The Azrar necklace from the Beni Yenni tribe in Kabylia

The Algerian necklace, consisting of a double chain from which hang numerous charms emblematic of the Kabyle jewelry produced by the Beni Yenni culture, is particularly seductive. The emotion it evokes is certainly due to the multiplicity of amulets, the coral, the colorful enamels and its very simple assembly, ending with a simple coral branch as clasp. This rustic necklace can be assembled by a woman using or reusing individually purchased charms. It has probably been enriched over time according to good fortune, or reduced to finance unforeseen events. An article in the Encyclopédie berbère sheds light on the symbolism of the various charms.

Pendeloques from Aurès and Grande Kabylie. Above, Aurès: 1: melon seed; 2: hand; 3: anthropomorphic decoration; 4: circular; 5: evolution towards crescent. Bottom, Grande Kabylie: 1: tikkefist; 2: tabuqalt; 3: melon seed (izes ufeqqus); 4: tabuhemset; 5: oak leaf (ifrawen ukerruš); 6: circular pendant (tašrurt tuzzigt lmerz1an); 8: star (itri.) (drawings by Y. Assié).

A semiotic study takes a closer look at the Azrar necklace: "It is composed of several motifs representing the richness of the earth, such as wheat, bees and various other symbols, making this necklace rich in meaning. Azrar', as the old-timers say, is a jewel symbolizing alliance and solidarity between formerly warring tribes. The craftsmen created this jewel to signify a new era of peace. Women wear it proudly as a sign of nobility, reflected in its size, weight and value. "