Outstanding Antique Berber Headgear – Ait Abdallah – Anti Atlas, Morocco – RARE

Early 20th century. Wool, henna dye. Approximately cm. 158,0 x 87,0 (62.20” x 34,25”).

Extra fine fabric, truly museum quality; some damage due to use and age (see photos); otherwise, excellent general condition.

The unique design on this headscarf may refer to a celestial pattern: the full and crescent moons of the lunar cycle. Dyers achieved the reddish-brown color by using henna leaves, which they made into a paste and then painted onto the woven ground. The color saturation varies, particularly within the darker shades, indicating that the dyers made multiple applications. In Morocco henna is an expensive material that is associated with the divine and with protective measures.

For more information and similar examples see “Splendeurs du Maroc”, by Africa Museum Tervuren, page 204.

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