THE MYSTERY BEHIND AMAZIGH SYMBOLS ON YOUR AMAZIGH HANDICRAFT

The Amazigh people have created a rich culture. They have filled their culture with music, symbols, and art. These symbols can be seen in tattoos, pottery, jewelry, carpets... Each piece of craft always has an Amazigh motif, or an Amazigh sign which always has a precise and very rich meaning.

Many Amazigh patterns are believed to be simple geometric shapes, such as squares, triangles and lines that are abstract. However, they are actually surprisingly complex and specific; these shapes serve many purposes: protection against the evil eye, identification of a tribe or a family, expression of feelings, or even affirmation of social status.

The people who make up the Amazigh tribes have been creating beautiful artwork for thousands of years. Since many of these symbols are not often understood they may seem very interesting and mysterious to someone who is learning about them for the first time.

Keep reading and get to know more about the meaning of Amazigh symbols that you find in Amazigh handicraft.

Meaning of Amazigh symbols

The Yaz:

Symbol of the Free man, the name given to the Amazighs by themselves.

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 Amazigh name 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.

The 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 serpent:

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.

The net and fish:

It is a protective symbol for the Amazighen.

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 under water, 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 Moroccan handmade carpets:

Like a fine piece of art, the Amazigh rug is one that will bestow a sense of wonder and beauty to its beholder. The Amazigh 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 Amazigh craftswomen.

On Moroccan handmade jewelry:

Jewelry designers work with pure geometric forms and shapes, mixing and matching different symbolic figures and Amazigh-inspired elements. The outcome is a contemporary and unique mix of earrings, rings, pendants, and other accessories that references the old traditions of Moroccan culture.

Amazigh symbols are transformed into stunning contemporary Amazigh jewelry with a unique sense of style. Subtle and understated, handmade jewelry is for the woman and man who seeks a wearable art statement.

On Amazigh tattoos:

Amazigh tattoos are one of the most beautiful examples of Amazigh culture.

The Amazigh 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.