Yelek

NameCoat-dress

Datelate 19th- early 20th century

Probably madeSyria, Middle East or West Asia, Asia

MediumIndigo dyed cotton, silk, glass buttons; balanced plain weave

Dimensions50 x 17 1/2 in. (127 x 44.5 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Florence Dibell Bartlett, A.1955.86.938

Object numberA.1955.86.938

Collections

DescriptionLong dark blue linen fitted dress. Long sleeves, cross stitch embroidery on yoke, sleeves and two front panels. Small amount of embroidery on back. Primarily orange and red embroidery.

Old #3377 Yelek (ca. 1850) Another beautiful yelek from Aleppo, this is similar to no. 3361. The bizer embroidery around the neckline forms the "water” or “wave” motif which is known in Arabic as mayeh, māya, or mūj, and is basically a stack of chevrons. There are two glass buttons below the bosom. This yelek has tightly braided edging. No fringe decorates the hems as in no. 3361. Length: 128 cm. Width: 72.5 cm. (Palestinian Costume and Jewelry, Yedida Kalfon Stillman, 1979 ISBN: 0-82630490-7)