Azetta

Title: Recherches sur le vocabulaire du tissage en Afrique du Nord
Author: James Bynon
Series: Berber Studies Volume11, 2005.

The present 11th volume of the “Berber Studies” series is dedicated to the publication of James Bynon’s dissertation in which the description of weaving techniques plays a central role.

This comparative linguistic work in particular deals with the different components of the weaving technique in the Berber languages of North Africa. The following areas are analysed: Morocco, North Algeria and the algerian Sahara, Kabylia, the Aurès mountains, Lybia and Egypt.

The author is a long-standing member of the research group of the renowned School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) of London University, where for the last 28 years he devoted his time to study and describe the languages, cultures and art of the Berber peoples.

In the 1960s, Bynon prepared his dissertation under supervision of Prof. Lionel Galand (Ecole Nationale des Langues Orientales Vivantes, Paris) and completed it in 1963.

Up to now his work had not been published. Nevertheless, berberologists who had the opportunity to cast a glance at it consider Bynons thesis as a standard work within this area. Even after 40 years have passed since its completion it deserves its present publication, not only because of the unique linguistic approach but also because of its solid scientific methodology-From the publiser.


I haven't read the book, but it looks very interesting. Anyone familiar with the book? Please let us know.

Having said that, I would like to use this post as departure point to talk about the shawi vocabulary related to the art of Azetta. Contributions are welcomed. And while you are thinking about the subject of azetta, enjoy azetta-song1 n Mihoub ennegh.

Amawal

• azetta : the art/profession of weaving
• amsheD : comb
• ddofT : wool
• hasennarT/TasennarT : spindle
• asghun : rope
• falu : string
• afejjef : stopper rod
• afejjej anijey : upper fejjej
• afejjej anedday : lower fejjej
• aqardech : cardage