The Berber Jewelry Exhibition held at the Royal Palace within the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha has received accolades from its organizers, underscoring the significance of Amazigh jewelry as a cultural treasure.
Jointly hosted by the National Foundation of Museums of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, with support from the Moroccan Embassy in Doha, the exhibition formed part of the Qatar-Morocco Cultural Year 2024. Running from February 20 to May 20, the showcase spotlighted the splendor of approximately 200 exceptional pieces of Amazigh jewelry, notably unveiled outside Morocco for the first time.
Initiated by King Mohammed VI, the exhibition serves as a testament to the enduring historical bonds between the two nations. A statement from the organizers emphasized the intention to provide visitors with an up-close encounter with the collection of silver jewelry, sourced from the Oudayas Museum in Morocco, an integral part of the National Museum of Rabat.
The collection not only celebrates the skilled artisans behind these remarkable pieces but also pays homage to the women who safeguarded these cultural traditions. Visitors, including Moroccans residing in Qatar, tourists in Doha, and Qatari nationals, have expressed profound pride in exploring this collection, seen as a window into Morocco’s rich heritage.
The partnership between Morocco and Qatar for the Cultural Year 2024, facilitated by the Years of Culture initiative, aims to foster stronger ties between the two nations and their people. In April, the Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) highlighted the significance of the exhibition, citing its role in bolstering the pride of Moroccans in Qatar.
Adel El Fakir, head of ONMT and General Commissioner of the Qatar-Morocco Cultural Year 2024, underscored the collection’s importance, comprising 200 pieces reflecting the diverse regions and ethnic groups of Morocco, from the Atlas Mountains to the Southern provinces.
The exhibition offered more than a mere display of jewelry; it provided a comprehensive cultural immersion, featuring traditional Moroccan music performances, henna tattoo demonstrations, and oil paintings inspired by the allure of Amazigh jewelry.