Panel, T85.0301
Posted: Jan 8th, 2020 | Collection Spotlight

This week we have chosen this 18th century panel from the El Jadida Province in Morocco.

This panel is an Azemmour embroidery, which were primarily made by Jewish women who found refuge in Morocco from Spain in the 16th century. The Jewish people of this region, as well as the Muslim peoples who sought refuge in Morocco for the same reasons, both use bird and fountain motifs in their embroidery traditions which reflect their Mediterranean heritage. Birds and fountains are also found in traditional Spanish, Greek, and Byzantine embroideries. Many stitches were used in this panel, such as back and straight stitch and double running stitch, and the pattern is “dropped out,” which creates a negative visual effect.

Azemmour embroideries are especially distinct from other kinds of embroidery techniques and design found in Morocco. Panels such as these adorned the exposed areas of mattresses. The material is cotton thread and silk. T85.0301; Gift of Dr. Harry Hardin.

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