A quick word on the exhibition 'Femmes Berbčres du Maroc'.

It was a small intimate exhibition(2rooms)with a small selection of great carpets, handiras, earthware, wooden objects and of course a large amount of jewelry.
The mannequins were overloaded -to a good cause- ( head ornaments, hair ornaments, earrings, fibulae with chains, several necklaces, see cover of the book ) so concentration was requested to take in all details.

For the purist amongst us, some pieces of jewelry were not presented in their proper function(headbands displayed around the neck) , I also suspect that some necklaces were reconstituted to get the best of the best elements together in one piece. So some criticism on authenticity of the combinations. Nevertheless the main constant of the expo: top quality. I don’t know of any museum that has this high quality level on each and every piece.

It was a pleasure to the eye and I would need several visits to get a firm mental imprint of each piece. Fortunately the catalogue - which is much broader than jewelry- really helps one to revive the visit, and worth buying.

For those less obsessed by traditional Moroccan jewelry, there was enough to appreciate without knowing the different styles and traditions. Who does not want to see gorgeous chunks of coral beads, impressive amber necklaces, great enameling and niello, and high grade silver.

Here an attempt but still lousy pictures.

Until 20 July 2014, Fondation Pierre Bergé, YSL, 3 rue Léonce Reynaud, 75116 Paris
closed on monday (open 11h -> 18h)
Metro 'Alma-Marceau' ligne 9

http://www.fondation-pb-ysl.net/fr/Femmes-berberes-du-Maroc-707.html