the Maâmoura

A very small dome-shaped structure, not exceeding one and a half meters in height, it is erected in memory of a pious, learned man buried elsewhere, even abroad. The site bears the name of this holy man and is imbued with deep symbolism: blessing, protection, and more.

Generally, women visit the site once a year. The ritual is well known: lighting candles and candelabras, sprinkling droplets of olive oil, scattering a few pinches of Bsissa (a food powder made of seven finely ground cereals) on the sacred stones of the place, filling a small pot with water to feed the birds, and decorating the Maâmoura with small strips of cloth in the colors associated with the saint—offerings from women meant to attract his blessing and protection. Various wishes and prayers are made, and whenever these are fulfilled, the person returns during the year to thank the holy man.

It is noteworthy that in Djerba, nearly every family has its own Maâmoura. Thus, every Thursday evening, candles are lit to illuminate the place and, at the same time, to ward off evil spirits who fear the light.

— The Museum Curator