Handicraft in Algeria
is an ancestral tradition, it used to be organized around old urban districts
Kasbahs. covering such skills as textile working jewelry, ceramics pottery,
woodworking, and brass work. Even today, this tradition, though weakened by a modern
consumer culture has been perpetuated and regenerated over time. All kinds of
materials are used in this enchanting display of creations wool wood
leather clay coral and metals (gold, silver copper).
Traditional Algerian
crafts are a fine display of harmony despite the Influence of other cultures
especially Roman Byzantine Arab Muslim Turkish or French.
These influences are
reflected in the use of such techniques as watermarking. cutting or stitching.
Whatever their field of expertise leather
craftsmanship or high fashion haberdashery trade er cabinet-making cookery or brasswork -today's artisans continue not only to create works of a quality worthy of the past but also know how to draw their inspiration from other
cultures, adapting their techniques and renewing their aesthetic vision without
ever denying their heritage.
Gold and Silver
Traditional Algerian jewelry was formed around a variety of shapes such as rosettes, stars triangles, and diamonds. Culturally inspired by Andalusia, it also incorporates cloisonne enamel, an ancient metalworking technique used in Berber jewelry especially Whether from the Aures or Beni Yenni in Kabylia, it is very popular and instantly recognizable by its exclusive use of silver, bright-colored enamel (blue, green. yellow),
contrasting with the bright red coral made cabochon used to set pieces of
jewelry.
In large urban centers - Algiers, Constantine, and Tlemcen - the Ottoman influence is predominant, made of luxurious middle-east inspired gold jewelry.
In the Far South, the craft takes on a mythical dimension.
Indeed, the goldsmith, who often belongs to the legendary and closed caste of the Inaden that manufactures Tuareg jewelry, is also the blacksmith who makes weapons for warriors and tools for farmers.
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