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Early 20th Century Hand-Painted Berber Plate from the Rif Mountains in Morocco

$1,920
£1,451.18
€1,697.44
CA$2,726.24
A$2,773.53
CHF 1,593.71
MX$33,351.93
NOK 18,606.30
SEK 18,717.68
DKK 12,689.26

About the Item

A rare and evocative example of Rifian ethnographic art, this large-scale platter (sahfa) embodies the ancient aesthetic traditions of the Northern Moroccan Highlands. Unlike the more common urban ceramics of Fez, this piece belongs to a matrilineal tradition of rural pottery-making from the Beni Said or Beni Zeroual tribes, where techniques have remained virtually unchanged since the Neolithic period. The platter is defined by a striking, radial composition. Hand-painted with native manganese-black mineral slip over a cream-ochre ground, the surface features the bold, "pulsing" geometric language of the Rif. The central radiating motif—a traditional symbol of the "source" or water—is accented by meticulous "dotted" borders, a regional hallmark that distinguishes Rifian work from the denser, tri-color patterns of Algerian Kabylia. The finish is matte and raw, possessing a prehistoric museum quality that appeals to both collectors of tribal art and devotees of organic minimalism. Its significant scale and high-contrast graphic layout make it a powerful sculptural element for contemporary wall-mounting or table-top display. Origin: Rif Mountains, Northern Morocco Culture: Amazigh (Berber) / Rifian Tribes Date: Early-20th Century Material: Hand-Built, Pit-Fired Earthenware Condition Report: The platter features a stable, age-worn surface with minor pitting and "spalling" typical of unrefined clay fired in traditional open-air pits. Significant surface abrasions and localised loss to the mineral slip are present, particularly along the rim and high-use central areas. This "ghosted" patina is an essential characteristic of authentic 19th-century pieces. A slight, non-structural warp in the plate's plane is visible, confirming its hand-built, monoxyle coiling process. No through-cracks or professional restorations are present. The "perfectly imperfect" asymmetry and the weathering of the geometric pigments provide a tactile, grounded aesthetic well suited to Wabi-Sabi style interiors. Curated by Mādda.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1.97 in (5 cm)Diameter: 13 in (33 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Terracotta,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
    Morocco
  • Period:
    Early 20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Marrakech, MA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10604249271442

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