Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum | Djerba

Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum – In Detail

The Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum (Musée du Patrimoine Traditionnel de Djerba) is one of the island’s most significant cultural institutions. Located in the heart of Houmt Souk, this museum provides a deep, structured, and immersive view into the customs, crafts, architecture, and daily life of the people of Djerba across centuries. It is a key site for anyone interested in understanding the island’s multicultural legacy, material culture, and regional identity.

1. Historical Context

The museum was originally established in the 1970s and is housed within the Zaouia of Sidi Zitouni, a historic Islamic complex that dates back to the 12th century. The zaouia (a religious school and mausoleum) was dedicated to Sidi Zitouni and later his son, Sidi Ameur.

The museum underwent a major expansion and modernization, reopening in 2008. The site blends religious significance with secular cultural preservation, making it a rare and powerful example of adaptive reuse of sacred architecture in Tunisia.

2. Architectural Features

The structure itself is a masterpiece of traditional Islamic architecture in Tunisia, featuring:

Whitewashed domes and arches

Intricate tilework and carved wooden ceilings

A tranquil courtyard surrounded by galleries and exhibition halls

A minaret and prayer rooms from its former function as a zaouia

The building's design helps transport visitors into the historical ambiance of Djerba, complementing the exhibits with authentic surroundings.

3. Thematic Exhibitions and Sections

The museum is arranged into thematic rooms, each designed to represent a particular aspect of traditional Djerban life. These include:

A. Traditional Costumes and Jewelry

Displays garments worn by Muslim, Jewish, and Berber women, with a focus on:

Bridal dresses (including the richly embroidered “keswa”)

Ceremonial robes

Headdresses and veils

An outstanding collection of traditional jewelry, especially silver pieces worn by both Jewish and Berber women, showcasing Djerba's silversmithing traditions.

B. Weaving and Textile Crafts

The loom room displays handwoven wool rugs, cotton textiles, and blankets, with explanations of patterns and techniques.

Exhibits explain the symbolism in textile motifs and the process of natural dyeing.

C. Pottery and Ceramics

The museum includes pottery tools, kilns, and examples of traditional unglazed and glazed ceramics.

Djerba is especially known for its Guellala pottery, and this section emphasizes its unique forms and utilitarian function in daily life.

D. Domestic Life and Household Items

A reconstructed Djerban home interior shows:

Cooking and food storage vessels

Traditional furniture like wooden chests and carved beds

Utensils for olive oil, date syrup, and couscous preparation

This area highlights the self-sufficient lifestyle of Djerban families, centered around extended households and seasonal rhythms.

E. Religious and Ritual Life

This section includes:

Quranic manuscripts and prayer books

Models of mosques and synagogues

Tools used in circumcision, weddings, and funerals

It also showcases elements from Jewish traditions, emphasizing Djerba’s famous Jewish-Muslim coexistence.

F. Agriculture and Fishing

Traditional irrigation methods, olive presses, and fishing gear are presented.

Displays focus on date palm cultivation, olive oil production, and the use of amphorae in fish preservation.

Ancient techniques for octopus fishing, including ceramic jars left on the sea floor, are also shown.

4. Cultural and Educational Role

The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and lectures on local heritage.

It plays a key role in educating younger generations about their island’s customs, serving schools and university groups.

Artists and researchers often collaborate with the museum to document intangible cultural heritage, such as oral storytelling, traditional songs, and seasonal rituals.

5. Unique Highlights

“Kobbet El Khyel” (Ghost Dome): This dome-shaped hall, part of the original zaouia, is surrounded by mysterious stories and local legends. It is the oldest preserved section of the building and holds a mystical aura tied to the island’s Sufi traditions.

Multicultural Narrative: The museum is notable for integrating Jewish, Muslim, and Berber cultural elements, presenting them in parallel rather than segregating them—an approach that reflects Djerba’s social fabric.

6. Visitor Experience

The layout is easy to navigate, with clear signage and bilingual labels (Arabic and French).

The museum is typically calm and uncrowded, allowing for slow, reflective exploration.

A small gift shop offers reproductions of local crafts, books, and handmade items.

7. Practical Information

Location: Avenue Habib Thameur, Houmt Souk, Djerba

Opening Hours: Generally 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (may vary on holidays)

Entry Fee: Modest, often less than 5 TND

Accessibility: Mostly accessible, though some steps and older flooring may be uneven

Language: Arabic and French are used in most signage; guides may speak English upon request

Conclusion

The Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum is a comprehensive cultural institution that offers a vivid, respectful, and engaging representation of the island’s past. Far from being a static collection of objects, it serves as a living memory of Djerba’s communities—an essential destination for those seeking to understand the depth, complexity, and harmony of this Mediterranean island’s heritage.