Old Berber Headgear – ADRAR – Ida Ou Nadif – Anti Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Early to mid 20th century. Wool, henna dye. Without fringes cm. 93,0 high x cm. 91,0 width (36.61” x 35.82”). Excellent conditions. This fabric has been professionally washed.

Beautiful women’s foulard from the Ida Ou Nadif tribe.

For more information and similar examples:

• “Splendeurs du Maroc”, by Africa Museum Tervuren, page 204;
• “African Textiles: Colour and Creativity Across a Continent”, by John Gillow, pag. 118;
• “Die Farbe Henna – Belmalte Textilien aus Sud-Marokko” Arnoldsche Edition;
• “Tapis Berbères du Maroc – La symbolique origines et signification”, by Bruno Barbatti, ACR Edition.

The Imazighen (singular Amazigh) also known as the Berbers are among the original peoples of North Africa. Their myths, legends and history span 9,000 years, back to the Proto-Mediterraneans. They have achieved unity by keeping up their unique language and culture which are, like their land, both African and Mediterranean.