Minneapolis Institute of Art

Cape (Handira)

Zemmour Amazigh (Berber) artist

Date

20th century

Medium

Wool, silk, cotton, glass beads, sequins, weft-faced brocade

Culture

Zemmour

Department

Arts of Global Africa

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Berber women of Morocco have long been admired for their elaborate weaving. Like cloth in many parts of the Islamic world, a mantel such as this is often multifunctional. When worn as a wraparound winter cloak, the fabric is held in place by a pin inserted through the overlapping corners under the chin. With its glass beads and sequins, the cloth can also serve as a decorative bedcovering for an honored guest. These textiles are labor-intensive and made from expensive materials, including silk, and therefore signify the wealth of the owner. The also can express a personal aesthetic, ethnic identity through specific patterning and designs, or professional pride. Zemmour, Africa

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