"Riffians" or "Rif Berbers" are a tribe of Amazigh in Northern Morocco. They are considered tough and hardened people because they live in an extremely uninviting environment in the Rif Mountains. This area of land is located in the northwestern portion of Africa. It consists of deserts, mountains, and rolling fields. The word "Rif" is actually Arabic for "the edge of cultivated area." Hence, the nickname given to this group is "Riffians" because they live on the edge of a cultivated area. Riffians became internationally known after revolting against the imposition of Spanish rule in Morocco. In 1921 they declared their independence under the leadership of Abd-El-Krim and established the Republic of the Rif. In 1926 a French-Spanish alliance invaded and established colonial rulership until the French recognized Moroccan independence in 1956.
Their main language is Tarifit, a dialect of Tamazight. They have a patriarchal family system and 99.6% of them are Muslim. They were traditionally farming people, but that is changing with rapid urbanization in Morocco. King Mohammed VI has given special attention to economic development in rural areas. One recent project was the construction of the Raouz dam. There are many differences in rural and urban tribes. Urban tribes tend to follow orthodox Islam closely, whereas, rural tribes include ancient beliefs and customs with their Muslim beliefs.
The Amazigh of the Southern and Central regions of the Rif Mountains rely mostly on the fig and olive trees that cover the mountainside as their main source of income. Some livestock is raised, but few rely on it for a major moneymaker. Many look to Europe to provide them with jobs during the months they are not farming. About one third of the male population looks for second jobs in European cities. Amazigh houses are traditionally built of stone and have flat roofs on them. Houses are placed on ridges at least 300 meters from the nearest neighbor. They do this for defense purposes. The women dress in long, colorful skirts and headscarves. The men wear a traditional cloak called the djellaba. It is usually made of cotton or wool and has wide sleeves and a hood. The men also wear turbans, which are unique to each of the 19 tribes of Amazigh. The Amazigh of Northern Morocco live a very simple life compared to the society of the U.S. and many other more developed countries, but it is their belief to keep the traditions that they follow alive for years to come. They have very strong family values, which keeps them bound together despite their rugged living conditions.
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on Riffian culture.
Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL of this page.
If you are Riffian, your feedback is much appreciated.
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By: Beth Larson
Edited by Melissa Lorentz and Mustafa Abarkan, 2008