Notes on Rifian household (taddart tarifit). An ethnoarchaeological analysis in the Moroccan Rif, North Africa

Abstract

This essay emphasizes, through an ethnoarchaeological analysis (based mainly on fieldwork information), the link between the vernacular architecture of the Moroccan Rif (North Africa) and certain cultural practices of Amazigh (Berber) people. Although the Rifians were Islamized in the 7th century, they retained indigenous cultural characteristics that remained imprinted in their traditional housing. On the other hand, social, cultural, and economic changes have led to the transformation of some elements of the vernacular dwelling, such as: the guest room, whose design and functionality is closely linked to gender roles. Thus, some elements of the Rifian dwelling are presented here in close relation to the cultural particularities of the studied region.