Jar - round-shaped ritual jug - Copper - Maghreb soil find

Unique bronze bottom find – ceremonial gift cup for fragrant oil / Zhâzhâ – circa 1880–1900 – North Africa


Very special bronze ceremonial vessel found as a local ground find in North Morocco.
It concerns a rare ritual vessel for fragrant oil or zhâzhâ, as confirmed by local experts in the region. Such ceremonial vessels were used in traditional scent, smoke, and purification rituals.

The object features a pronounced ribbed, shell-shaped body, a beautiful solid brass handle (rare and typical of older, high-quality pieces), and two pouring spouts. One of the spouts still has its original cork, which is exceptional for an item of this age.

The bronze exhibits a deep, authentic dark brown patina with light green oxidation spots, fitting for 19th-century bronze. The construction is heavy and solid; this is not thin copperwork but truly cast or heavily hammered bronze.

Thanks to the ground find, the object has an unspoiled, pure appearance that collectors of tribal art, ethnographic items, and North African ritual objects particularly value.


Condition

Authentic ground find state

Original brass handle

One tweet with original cork (rare)

Patina intact; signs of age and oxidation appropriate for the age

Light old restorations which confirm the exclusivity of the donor (see photos).


Function & Origin

According to local experts, this is a ceremonial gift vessel for fragrant oil or the traditional zhâzhâ extract (used in ritual fragrances and purification rituals).

Region: North Africa, probably Rif / North Morocco

Date: circa 1880–1900





Dimensions

Just give me the measurements so I can fill them in correctly.

Height: about 18 cm

Width approximately 18 cm.

Diameter: approx. 15… cm

Weight: about 1 kg



Shipping

Carefully packed and insured shipping with Track and Trace.

Please note: During the period from December 18, 2025, to January 3, 2026, this item cannot be shipped due to holidays!