Moroccan enameled green and red Hirz pendant with vintage green and red Vaseline Venetian glass trade charms.

The amulet is beaded with translucent green melon shaped beads that measure approximately 17mm and are separated by genuine vintage candy cane millefiori beads with green, red and white stripes.

The Hirz pendant measures 3” in height.

The Necklace measures 23” in length.

The rich enamel colors on the surface of the Hirz are unique and have been individual crafted by a master artisan in a village of south central Morocco.

I finished this piece with a Bali style S hook clasp closure.

The Berbers or Imazighen are the original inhabitants of North Africa. They speak a number of related languages and share a common cultural heritage.

In Berber culture, jewelry has a symbolic and mythical meaning besides their practical and ornamental function, as they are used as charms and talismans to protect against evil spirits and influences. In addition, acquiring jewelry has an economic meaning. An Amazigh woman’s jewelry is her private property. She may buy, and then later sell jewelry to support her family in dire economic times. With the money she might also buy cattle or land. Smart commercial use makes women apt family bankers.