Tunic

Object Details

Undetermined artist

Label Text

Tunisian embroidery was done in the home and the professional workshop using silk and metal threads. This embroidered garment is probably a woman's marriage tunic (qmajja) meant to be worn by the bride on her wedding day. The talismanic designs, one of which is the hand of Fatima, are meant to protect the wearer. Such a costly garment was considered security for the future. Money could be earned by renting out qmajja to brides who could not afford their own.

Description

Predominantly purple and red rectangular shaped garment composed of approximately 30 (?) individual strips of cloth (possibly linen) all hand sewn together. It is elaborately embroidered using metallic sequins and thread on both the front and back with various designs and motifs. The inside is lined.

Provenance

Brian Aherne, acquired Morocco, before 1950

Leonie DeLiagre Gately and Stack Gately, Annapolis, Maryland, -- to 2001

Exhibition History

Wedded Bliss: The Marriage of Art and Ceremony, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, April 26-September 14, 2008

Content Statement

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Credit Line

Gift in memory of Brian and Eleanor DeLiagre Aherne

19th century

Object number

2001-19-2

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Textile and Fiber Arts

Medium

Silk, cotton, sequins, beads, metal wrapped thread

Dimensions

H x W: 131.9 x 114 cm (51 15/16 x 44 7/8 in.)

Geography

Tunisia

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

Object Name

qmajja

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Marriage

Status

Adornment

Female use

male

Record ID

nmafa_2001-19-2

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys758b2848f-9603-410b-87d9-d96c850271dc