Elisa Chimenti

Elisa Chimenti (1883-1969) was an Italian-born author who recorded and translated the oral traditions of Moroccan women.

Early life and education Chimenti was born in Naples to Maria Luisa Ruggio Conti and Rosario Chimenti. Her family emigrated to Tunis in 1884 when she was an infant. Chimenti grew up studying multiple languages in a multicultural environment, as well as learning from multiple faith disciplines.

However, due to Mussolini gaining power years later, Chimenti was unable to continue running her school and became a full time journalist. Her writing centered largely around the people of Morocco, mainly women, as well as studying the different communities throughout Morocco.

Works

Meine Lieder, 1911 Taitouma, 1913 Èves Marocaines, 1935 Chants de femmes arabes, 1942 Légendes marocaines, 1950 Les petits blancs marocains, 1950-1960 Au cœur du harem, 1958 Le sortilège (et autres contes séphardites), 1964