Woman's Mantle (Moucht'îya)

Unknown

20th century · Wool, cotton, dyes · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

This mantle features a particular tradition of dying and weaving developed by women in Tunisia during the first half of the twentieth century. Created by and for women, this type of mantle was an important marker of social status in the region of El Djem in Tunisia. Works of this kind were worn by married women, over the head, covering part of the face. Large enough to hide most of the body, moucht'îya were used as an over layer when stepping outside the house.

Artist

Unknown

Date

20th century

Medium

Wool, cotton, dyes

Culture

El Djem

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Gift of Alfred L. Bush, 2009