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Skhab

Like the countries of the Mediterranean, Algeria is characterized by its cultural and historical diversity which is essentially linked to the different civilizations that have succeeded one another in the region. Among the largest and most popular traditional industries in Algeria is the making of ornaments and jewelry. These jewels which vary from North to South and from East to West, in terms of designs, formats and type of metal used. Skhab: The “Skhab” or the ambergris necklace, is a precious traditional necklace of brown or black color made for Algerian women and worn by them on occasions. It gives off lovely musk and amber scents that can last for decades, no matter how many times it is used, the temperature of the environment, or where it is stored. “Skhab” is used in many regions of our country, notably in Constantine, Tebessa, M’sila, Batna, khenchela, Boussaâda and Guelma. It is composed of: • Wheat flour or date grains after their combustion, • Tigernut, round seeds giving off a good smell, sold by herbalists and perfumers, • The dried fruit of a plant not too well known in our country and which smells very good, • Natural musk, natural perfume with a strong and refreshing smell, • Clove, or what is locally called “oud” and which smells very good, • Natural amber. Method of making “Skhab”: the ingredients are merged with hot water in a container or bowl, for more than half an hour. Hot water helps to dilute the components which, once mixed, form a fragrant paste from which the “Skhab” will be made. Furthermore, and before the dough dries and firms up, the craftswoman cuts it into very small pieces using the thumbs and index fingers of both hands and then threads these small pieces using a large needle into a fine and resistant thread which is horsehair thread. The “Skhab” is subsequently decorated with pearls or coral fragments.