Berber Symbols and their meaning
WHY BERBER HANDCRAFT INCLUDES AMAZIGH SYMBOLS
Berber Symbols: Amazighs, or Berbers, have developed a rich culture. They have infused their culture with music, symbols, and art. You can find these symbols in tattoos, pottery, jewelry, carpets, etc. Almost every piece of Berber craft has a Berber motif or sign which has a precise and deep meaning.
Many Berber patterns can be described as abstract geometric shapes, such as squares, triangles, and lines. However, they are surprisingly complex and specific; these shapes serve a variety of functions: protection from the evil eye, identification of a tribe or family, expression of feelings, and even as a sign of social status.
Berber tribes have been creating beautiful art for thousands of years. Since many of these symbols are not commonly understood, they can seem very intriguing and mysterious to someone learning about them for the first time.
Discover the meaning of the Amazigh symbols found in Berbere handicraft by reading on. “Berber Symbols”
MEANING OF AMAZIGH SYMBOLS
THE YAZ:
Symbol of the Free man, the name given to themselves by the Berbers.
THE SEEDS:
The seeds represent the male seed, symbol of life and fertility.
OLIVE TREE:
Symbol of beneficial force, Olive oil represents the vital substance. The name Berbrer is azemmur, the derivation of the word tazmat (force)
THE DIAMOND:
The diamond is the symbol of the woman, associated with the snake it represents the union of opposites.
THE TREE:
The tree represents the axis of the world, around which revolve beings, things and spirits. It is associated with easy living, happiness and fertility. And it also symbolizes life and knowledge.
THE ARIES:
The aries represents physical power and strength. And It is a symbol of life and generosity.
THE STAR OR CROSS:
For women who use this symbol associated with the diamond, symbolizes I Bird, a symbol of beauty and agility. Also symbolizes the two legs and the two arms of the man.
WHEAT:
An ambivalent symbol. It represents both life but also death.
THE EYE:
Symbolizes protection against evil eyes. The cross in the middle sends evil in all 4 directions.
WEAVING COMB:
Feminine symbol of fertility and creativity. Associated with weaving, it represents the movement of the world but also cohesion, balance and order.
THE TAURUS:
It is a symbol of masculine strength
THE SERENT:
The Serpent, symbol of Virility, but also of regeneration, and it is also a talisman against evil spirits. The Serpent represents life at its most primitive. It is an invigorating force which animates the world and fertilizes it.
THE CRESCENT OF THE MOON:
Symbolizes the matter that is born, grows and die
THE SPIDER:
Feminine symbol, represents the working life, the patient and the harmony
THE ARROW:
Symbol of cosmic projection and Vital momentum. Associated with lightning, it represents the fertilizing male principle.
NET AND FISH:
It is a protective symbol for the Amazigh (Berbers).
Pisces are beneficial because they ward off the evil eye. It is a sign of safety, probably due to the fact that it is protected underwater, safe from danger.
THE FROG:
Associated with fertility and magical rituals
THE FLY:
Constantly on the move, harassing animals and men, it represents life in its liveliness and ardor, its ability to reproduce and multiply ad infinitum
THE PLUS:
Symbolizes the eye of God, the star that guides man in the night with its light.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND THESE SYMBOLS?
ON YOUR MOROCCAN HANDMADE CARPET:
Berber Symbols: Like a fine piece of art, the Berber rug is one that will bestow a sense of wonder and beauty to its beholder. The Berber carpet has simple patterns with straight lines and geometric shapes. The most common shapes are rhombuses, rectangles, and triangles. Each carpet is a unique piece resulting from the imagination of the Berber craftswomen. “Berber Symbols”.
ON YOUR HANDMADE JEWELRY:
Jewelry designers work with pure geometric forms and shapes, mixing and matching different symbolic figures and tribal-inspired elements. The outcome is a contemporary and unique mix of earrings, rings, pendants, and other accessories that reference the old traditions of Moroccan culture.
Tribal symbols are transformed into stunning contemporary jewelry with a unique sense of style. Subtle and understated, handmade jewelry is for the woman and man who seeks a wearable art statement. “Berber Symbols”
ON AMAZIGH TATTOOS:
Berber Symbols: Amazigh tattoos are one of the most beautiful examples of Berber culture.
The Berber tribes tattooed themselves to keep their origins, which they represent in their tattoos, but also they did it to attract the attention of the beloved men. Each tribe has its own tattoo that identifies it through a combination of signs. Many of these tattoos are geometric patterns that evolved over time.
The tattoo was especially believed to ward off the evil eye and brought good fortune and success. Each detail, each motif has its own symbolism. Thus, to represent this sign on oneself is to attract what it symbolizes.
Tribal symbols are transformed into stunning contemporary jewelry with a unique sense of style. Subtle and understated, handmade jewelry is for the woman and man who seeks a wearable art statement. “Berber Symbols”
