Headscarf or Veil

Textiles

Early 20th century

Ida ou Nadif
Anti-Atlas Mountains region, Morocco

Through the 20th century, rural women of the Anti-Atlas mountain region of Morocco wore veils like this design over their heads, secured with a headband for warmth; now for special occasions only. The Ida ou Nadif and other Imazighen (Berber) people believe that natural materials and substances are infused with baraka, or blessed virtues. The woven wool of this veil, the wood of the loom used to make it, and herbs cultivated for the dyes, especially henna, are all linked to protective spiritual functions.

Status: Currently Off View
Department: Textiles

Culture: Ida Ou Nadif
Title: Headscarf or Veil
Place: Morocco (Object made in)
Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.: Made 1901–1950
Medium: Wool, plain weave; resist dyed; corner cut tassels; wrapped and buttonhole-stitched ends
Dimensions: 174 × 106.8 cm (68 1/2 × 42 in.)
Credit Line: Edward E. Ayer Endowment in memory of Charles L. Hutchinson
Reference Number: 2002.268

Art Institute of Chicago, Arts of Africa rotation, Gallery 137, Feb. 16-Oct. 11, 2022.

Fatma ben Houssein ben Ali, southern Anti Atlas Mountains, Morocco, before early/mid-1990s [this and the following according to personal communication from Ivo Grammet, May 24, 2002, in curatorial file, Arts of Africa]; by descent to her grandson, El Houssein, Morocco, early/mid-1990s; sold to Ivo Grammet, Essaouri, Morocco and Belgium, 1997; sold to the Art Institute, 2002.

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Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

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