Tunic Dress
Arts of the Islamic World
MEDIUM
Textile (possibly cotton and silk), colorants, metal, mother of pearl
DATES
Mid 20th Century
DIMENSIONS
49 × 72 × 1 1/2 in. (124.5 × 182.9 × 3.8 cm)
ACCESSION NUMBER
2024.30
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Edna (Ann) Russmann, in honor of Mary McKercher
PROVENANCE
Before 1975, purchased in Egypt, likely in the Siwa Oasis, by Edna (Ann) Russman of Brooklyn, NY; May 30, 2024, gift of Edna (Ann) Russman to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
This mid-twentieth century Siwa Oasis bridal tunic dress (asherah hawak azdhaf, ‘the decorated black shirt that makes us happy’ in Siwi) is traditionally worn at the conclusion of the seven days of Siwan wedding celebrations. The Black woven tunic dress is decorated on the front with orange, red, green, yellow, and black embroidery in a classic sunburst design extending outward from the chest. It is embellished throughout with many mother-of-pearl buttons, shells, and metal bells and chains on the tassels. The front has nine buttons and buttonholes extending down from the neck, as well as two braided multicolor ties. Each tie has seven tassels and a bell hanging from a chain attached to the tie, as well as more decorative buttons. The back neck and the front have been reinforced from the interior with a plain weave fabric printed with a pink, dark pink, and blue hearts/leaves design. There are small patches of striped fabric on each side at the bottom. While unique to the Siwa oasis in its distinct T-shape, such embroidered tunic dresses are similar to ceremonial garments across North Africa and Amazigh cultures.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
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