Shawl

NameShawl

Artist Artist Not Recorded

DateFirst half, 20th century

Place madeKsour Essaf, Al Mahdiyah, Tunisia, Africa

MediumWool, other fibers, metallic thread, metal sequins

Dimensions49 3/16 × 167 11/16 in. (125 × 426 cm)

Credit LineGift of William and Sondra Bechhoefer

Object numberA.2013.4.2

DescriptionLarge, course, rich red wool shawl embroidered in a wide vertical area down the center (which hides a central seam), as well as with light peach colored stripes at each end which are finished with short, knotted fringe. The central embroidered and appliquéd area has a large, multicolored, divided oval sewn with metal sequins which is located between the top and bottom edges. From each end is a vaguely rectangular area which extends to the edges and which encloses radiant circular motifs, multicolored soft fabric tufts, crescents, clubs and other large ornamental forms, several with central crosses. At the top and bottom edges along the ornamented section are long bands of embroidered multicolored chevrons, which have projecting multicolored tufts along the length. The primary colors of embroidery and appliqué are light olive, green, gold, dark blue or purple, red, orange, cream and marine blue with touches of other colors.