A young woman might have received this beautiful diadem as a gift from her parents in Kabylia, a region along the Mediterranean coast in Algeria. The geometric shapes in the center are hammered silver ornamented with green and blue enamel on both sides and set with coral on the front. Small enameled beads flank the central rectangle, while a numerous silver beads and delicate wire connect the sections of the diadem together. The small diamond and teardrop shapes at the bottom are also finished with enamelwork, and would have moved against the forehead when worn; the pins at the top helped to secure the jewelry to a headscarf.




In teh 19th century, Amazigh (formerly called Berber) parents purchased jewelry for their daughter to wear on her wedding day and afterwards as part of her dowry. Husbands added to their wives' collections throughout their lives together; today, many women also select jewelry for themselves. In 1866, countrywide famines plagued Algeria, and in 1871 the French occupied Kabylia and seized farms from local residents to give to French settlers. Many dispossessed families were forced to sell their jewelry to survive. The French occupation of northern Algeria led to a growing number of colonial officials and tourists in the area; the newcomers admired Amazigh arts and began buying jewelry and pottery as souvenirs. This diadem was purchased by Arthur Croft, the husband of donor Caroline A. Croft (née Brewer), during a trip to Algeria in the 1880s. At the time of his visit, new jewelry pieces were made specifically for the foreign tourist market, although jewelers also continued producing for local clients.

---