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
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- 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
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys758b2848f-9603-410b-87d9-d96c850271dc
