SILVER BELT BUCKLE. Morocco, probably early 20th century.

Flat base forming open rectangle with two struts and mitered corners; supports domed buckle, engraved with checkerboard pattern at sides, and domed area cut out and engraved with Star of David and organic motifs; cast hand at either side. Cast open semi-circular buckle element with floral motif, and fastening pin, hinged at one side of base. No marks found. L (including buckle): 140mm.

A very similar example can be see in the Jewish Museum Catalogue, Morocco: Jews and Art in a Muslim Land (2000) no. 71, p. 156; the description reads: "Buckles of the … turtle type… used at the end of a small belt…decorated with finely engraved arabesque and floral patterns…" See also Israel Museum Catalogue, Jewish Life in Morocco (1983) no. 289, p. 141.