This is an example of the coastal type of North African lamp, with its smooth, undecorated surface and essentially horizontal orientation. The backplate design consists of a rectangular plaque with an openwork colonnade of arches; the scrollwork and rickety towers above the colonnade are separate and attached by rivets. All the elements on this lamp are of Islamic inspiration, from the types of arches to the prominent hamsas, or raised hands, which are believed to have protective powers in both Jewish and Muslim culture.
This particular lamp type appears to be common along the western part of the North African coast, from Morocco to Tunisia. Examples have been obtained in the coastal cities of Rabat, Algiers, and Djerba.