3 Moroccan Textiles, Early-Mid 20th C.

3 Moroccan Textiles, Early-Mid 20th C. 2 Green Fez Embroidery textiles and a Woman's Head Scarf. Size: 1)19'' x 17.5'', 48 x 44 cm; 2) 21.5'' x 24'', 55 x 61 cm; 3) 26'' x 35'', 66 x 89 cm. The design and style of Fez embroidery, like many other regional Moroccan embroideries, shows Hispano Mooresque influence. Design elements are often abstracted florals and geometrics. The handwork is executed in a counted thread technique such as reversible double running stitch, stem stitch, and back stitch to create highly complex reversible embroidered patterns. Typical of Fez regional style, this embroidery fragment is monochromatic and made with tightly coiled silk on cotton, and was likely part of a pillow casing or other domestic furnishing. The Berbers of Morocco popularized the use of henna in dyeing some of their textiles. Henna, not indigenous to the region, was imported and believed to possess special blessing power. The days of henna paintings are over since the practice apparently ended around the middle of the 20th century.This piece is woven from wool with supplementary cotton weave and tassels and henna is added for decoration along the edges. Notice that the henna dyes the wool but not the cotton. Small, colorful wool balls and spools are tacked along the edges and at the very center for extra pizzazz. Provenance: Ex Yosi Barzilai collection.
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