Woman's Wedding Cloak (hràm nfàsi)

Currently not on view

Woman's Wedding Cloak (hràm nfàsi)

Early to mid- 20th century

Artist/maker unknown, Tunisian

On the seventh day of her marriage, a Mahdian bride would abandon her bridal tunic and adopt this richly embroidered cloak for the remainder of her life. The long, rectangular cloak was folded on the horizontal so that the embroidered borders were visible. It was centered on the woman’s lap and secured to her body by tucking a silk belt under the fold and wrapping the belt around her hips three times. The excess fabric was brought up the back, over the front of the shoulders, and pinned near the underarms with gold brooches. This type of garment is typical of wedding cloaks from the Central Sahel region.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Woman's Wedding Cloak (hràm nfàsi)

Date:

Early to mid- 20th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Tunisian

Medium:

Wool plain weave with metallic and silk embroidery and silk fringe

Dimensions:

13 feet 8 inches × 52 inches (416.6 × 132.1 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Costume and Textiles Revolving Fund, 2000

Accession Number:

2000-125-1

Geography:

Made in Mahdia, Tunisia, Africa

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Currently not on view