الناصرية
Volume 16, Numéro 1, Pages 321-350
2025-06-01
The Socio-cultural Symbols And Concepts Of The ‘tlemcenian Chedda’ Between Appropriation And Preservation
Authors : Chami Abdelkarim .
Abstract
The ‘Tlemcenian Chedda’, a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage, embodies the socio-cultural identity of Tlemcen, Algeria, through its intricate bridal attire laden with historical and symbolic significance. Originally crafted by the bride’s family and steeped in rituals to ward off the evil eye and symbolizing purity, the dress has undergone widespread democratization through rental practices. This ethnographic study, conducted across Tlemcen, Sidi Bel Abbes, and Mascara, examines how the Chedda’s adoption beyond its native context has led to the erosion of its cultural symbols. Findings reveal that in host cities, the dress is stripped of its geographical affiliation (‘Tlemcenian’) and reduced to a commercialized wedding costume, with altered aesthetics and neglected rituals. While Tlemcenians sustain the dress’s symbolic integrity, its appropriation elsewhere reflects a disconnect from its socio-cultural roots, exacerbated by the absence of institutional preservation efforts. The paper argues that without urgent documentation and revitalization of its traditional practices, the ‘Tlemcenian Chedda’ risks becoming a hollow emblem of fashion rather than a living heritage.
Keywords
‘Tlemcenian Chedda’; cultural symbolism; social concepts; appropriation; preservation
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