| Original Message: Moroccan use of the terms 'ambre Marseillais' and 'ambre copal' |
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Hi Rosanna,
I received a first reaction from my Moroccan contact and he wanted to point out some misunderstandings caused by what you could say 'Moroccan campfire amber naming'. In his +/-30yrs of handling Moroccan jewelry amber and synthetic amber he concluded the following: Ambre Marseillais: is in fact the denomination used for all SYNTHETIC BROWN/RED amber made from +/- 1900 on. This synthetic amber was shipped from Marseille, hence 'ambre Marseillais'. Why they don't name the yellow synthetic ambre also 'Marseillais' he really does not know. 'Ambre copal': now here comes the trouble.The OLDER YELLOW SYNTHETIC amber they name 'copal'!!! (instead of the natural younger resins.) And now I understand why I had trouble with sellers convincing me something was copal, while it was clear it was synthetic.... He promised me that he will inquire further about the origins of ambre Marseillais and hopes some of the older generation in the trade will be able to tell him more about it. So at best we'll know some more through oral history! Below pic 1 : what Moroccans call 'ambre Marseilais' Pic 2: what Moroccans call 'copal' Both being synthetic. I am sorry if I'm confusing everyone now. All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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