Two amulet pendants decorated with snakes. Todra (Todgha) Valley, Morocco, [early decades of 20th century].
Silver, cast and engraved; beads.
Two pendants, almost identical in design, with image of snake in center, surrounded with vegetal patterns. Red beads inlaid toward top center, apparently replacing coral beads. Three clover-like elements project from either side and from bottom.
Owing to its ability to shed its skin and thus be seemingly reborn, in North African tradition, the snake came to symbolize eternity and renewal, and serve as a motif in amulets connected to childbirth.
8X6 cm. Good condition.
Reference: Les Juifs du Maroc, p. 130; Jewish Magic through the Ages: Angels and Demons, p. 111.