Minneapolis Institute of Art

Cape

Amazigh (Berber) artist

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Brocaded wool

Culture

Amazigh (Berber)

Department

Arts of Global Africa

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

In rural Morocco, Amazigh (Berber) and Jewish men both wore this type of cape, which offered multiple layers of protection. Woven of heavy goat wool and hair, it enfolded the wearer in its warmth and shielded him from the elements in the Atlas Mountains. The large orange shape on the back symbolizes a dramatic eye, meant to protect the wearer from the harmful forces of the evil eye. Belief that someone’s malicious glare has the power to cause misfortune or injury is widespread among Mediterranean cultures. Africa

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