Traditionally, the Khalkhal featured several charms and talismans, mainly the khamsa or hand of Fatima, as well as a depiction of the evil eye. If a price seems too good to be true, then it probably is. You can also factor in the weight of each piece, whether it feels flimsy or well-made, the look of the stones, are they too shiny or too dim. Essentially, a Moroccan belt or mdamma a handmade, culturally significant accessory that epitomizes Morocco's artistic heritage. It combines aesthetics with functionality and serves as a symbolic and practical addition to traditional clothing.

Based on how wealthy her family is and the social status of her husband-to-be, the mdama could be made from pure gold, featuring different engravings, and ornamented with a variety of stones (mostly red and green). On the other hand, in the south Atlas region, the ’Nbala’ is a staple hinged bracelet that is often etched to display charming and quaint motifs. Types of Moroccan Jewelry MdamaIn Morocco, women can design their kaftans from scratch with the help of a tailor, which I did many times – and loved doing. The process takes a little longer, but the result is literally the dress of your dreams! The caftan can sometimes be accompanied by a belt ( m’damma) made of finely chiseled solid gold and encrusted with a flower named fakrone– or turtle – in the center that is supposed to bring happiness and protect the wear from the evil eye. In addition, Moroccan belts also have practical significance. They are adjustable and provide support to the waist while making the garment form-fitting, creating a flattering silhouette. This feature makes them popular with women as they can accentuate the waist and improve the overall appearance. The Khalkhal is another jewelry piece heavily inspired by the Arab, Andalusian, and Ottoman influence. This accessory is an ankle bracelet, or anklet, typically made from gold, silver, or an amalgam of both materials.

If you are looking for an artisanal piece that is both handmade and hand-embroidered, I have detailed where in my Morocco shopping guide. The best approach is to shop for your caftan directly from a respected traditional Moroccan tailor who will customize an existing piece or create one from scratch. Moreover, we can see how Berber and Tuareg traditions interlaced in the jewelry they produced, a fusion of two powerful and vigorous legacies. Most Moroccan women have inherited those accessories from their mothers and grandmothers, so parting with them verges on the impossible due to how much sentimental value they hold. The southern jewelry in Morocco usually consists of varying blends of silver and bronze ornamented with geometric or floral shapes and patterns.As we progress in history, the mdama starts to evolve into a belt made from a structured material that is almost cardboard-like, then draped in the same material of the dress it is to be worn with (whether it be silk, brocade, velvet, or cotton). Khalkhal When it comes to colors, there are really no rules. Moroccan kaftan dresses can be in either pastel, dark or flashy colors, or even a mix of the three. You can also visit the Ensemble Artisanal in Tiznit before venturing into the Souk to get a better idea of what’s available, the different styles and designs, as well as the price points. The Khamsa, the Eye of Fatima, or the Hand of Fatima is a symbol of Moroccan-Jewish descent that represents a hand with the power of warding off evil and protecting the wearer from negative energy. In Tafraoute, Tiznit, and Inezgane, you can find antique Moroccan jewelry on display, with some rare occasions of stumbling into unique pieces that qualify as rare pieces of art. Moreover, Taroudant is also worth a visit if you’re on the hunt for authentic traditional jewelry.