Description
Through the 20th century, rural women of the Anti-Atlas mountain region of Morocco wore veils like this design over their heads, secured with a headband for warmth; now for special occasions only. The Ida ou Nadif and other Imazighen people believe that natural materials and substances are infused with baraka, or blessed virtues. The woven wool of this veil, the wood of the loom used to make it, and herbs cultivated for the dyes, especially henna, are all linked to protective spiritual functions.
Provenance
Fatma ben Houssein ben Ali, southern Anti Atlas Mountains, Morocco, before early/mid-1990s [this and the following according to personal communication from Ivo Grammet, May 24, 2002, in curatorial file, Arts of Africa]; by descent to her grandson, El Houssein, Morocco, early/mid-1990s; sold to Ivo Grammet, Essaouri, Morocco and Belgium, 1997; sold to the Art Institute, 2002.
Accession Number
159834
Medium
Wool, plain weave; resist dyed; corner cut tassels; wrapped and buttonhole-stitched ends
Dimensions
174 × 106.8 cm (68 1/2 × 42 in.)
Classification
costume - weaving
Credit Line
Edward E. Ayer Endowment in memory of Charles L. Hutchinson
