Fabrics and cloths

A lovely Berber woman's shawl, cape or -handira- from the group of the Aït Atta. It features the very characteristic distribution of stripes and colors of this group. The large confederation of the Aït Atta inhabits an extense area on the High Atlas from the Draa valley to the Ziz valley. Capes like this would be worn on special gatherings and ocassions by the women of the group and from some other neighbouring group as the Aït Hadiddou, fastened by silver fibula or brooches. This handmade handira has been woven in wool and it combines the use of natural dyes in a design that mixes the three traditional colors, red, black and green against a white or cream background and the combination of stripes of equal width in its central part. The traditional design is completed by a fringe bordering the side edges.

A lovely Berber woman's shawl, cape or -handira- from the group of the Aït Atta. It features the very characteristic distribution of stripes and colors of this group. The large confederation of the Aït Atta inhabits an extense area on the High Atlas from the Draa valley to the Ziz valley. Capes like this would be worn on special gatherings and ocassions by the women of the group and from some other neighbouring group as the Aït Hadiddou, fastened by silver fibula or brooches. This handmade handira has been woven in wool and it combines the use of natural dyes in a design that mixes the three traditional colors, red, black and green against a white or cream background and the combination of stripes of equal width in its central part. The traditional design is completed by a fringe bordering the side edges.

Piece of An appealing Berber haïk or shawl from M´Tougha in the Moroccan High Atlas. Handmade. Woven natural undyed wool. The combination of browns and creams as well as the distribution of the stripes are magnificent and grant it an elegant and authentic tribal character. A -haïk-, -hayk-, -haik- or -tahraoukht-, is an outer garment used by the different Berber tribes as part of their attire. It may come in many sizes and the way to wear it can vary a lot depending on the are and the needs of the wearer, for example, as a cape or as a sort of veil to cover head and face.

A lovely Berber woman's shawl, cape or -handira- from the group of the Aït Atta. It features the very characteristic distribution of stripes and colors of this group. The large confederation of the Aït Atta inhabits an extense area on the High Atlas from the Draa valley to the Ziz valley. Capes like this would be worn on special gatherings and ocassions by the women of the group and from some other neighbouring group as the Aït Hadiddou, fastened by silver fibula or brooches. This handmade handira has been woven in wool and it combines the use of natural dyes in a design that mixes the three traditional colors, red, black and green against a white or cream background and the combination of stripes of equal width in its central part. The traditional design is completed by a fringe bordering the side edges.

A lovely Berber woman's shawl, cape or -handira- from the group of the Aït Atta. It features the very characteristic distribution of stripes and colors of this group. The large confederation of the Aït Atta inhabits an extense area on the High Atlas from the Draa valley to the Ziz valley. Capes like this would be worn on special gatherings and ocassions by the women of the group and from some other neighbouring group as the Aït Hadiddou, fastened by silver fibula or brooches. This handmade handira has been woven in wool and it combines the use of natural dyes in a design that mixes the three traditional colors, red, black and green against a white or cream background and the combination of stripes of equal width in its central part. The traditional design is completed by a fringe bordering the side edges.

Bogolan textiles are amongst the most interesting textiles from Western Africa. Their amazingly avant-garde design should not make us think that we are in front of a recent evolution of African art but we are rather facing an ancient craft. The name would come from the Bambara language and linked to the use quite often of mud in the process of making. The variety of designs is almost endless. It is made from narrow strips of cotton woven by dexterous artisans, which are then sewn together to make larger pieces of cloth. Those are then dyed and decorated in a serie of different stages using natural substances. True pieces of tribal art not to be missed.  

Bogolan textiles are amongst the most interesting textiles from Western Africa. Their amazingly avant-garde design should not make us think that we are in front of a recent evolution of African art but we are rather facing an ancient craft. The name would come from the Bambara language and linked to the use quite often of mud in the process of making. The variety of designs is almost endless. It is made from narrow strips of cotton woven by dexterous artisans, which are then sewn together to make larger pieces of cloth. Those are then dyed and decorated in a serie of different stages using natural substances. True pieces of tribal art not to be missed.  

A great woman's vintage shawl, cape or -handira- from the Berber group of the Beni or Aït Ouaraïn in the Middle Atlas mountain range in Morocco. It combines handwoven natural undyed wool and cotton with natural dyes. It features the very distinctive striped decoration used by this group with typical geommetrical decorative motifs full of meanings and symbology. Usually fringed and with two straps to knot it round the chest. Lovey cream and camel colors. The Beni Ouaraïn are a confederation formed by about seventeen Berber groups inhabiting primarily the northeastern part of the Moroccan Middle Atlas mountain range.The quality of the Beni Ouaraïn textiles has been acknowledged admired since long and to that have contributed the dexterity of their mainly women artisan weavers.

A fantastic cotton fabric dyed with natural indigo by the method of reserve, batik or madiba. Dogon women would use it as a skirt or shawl. It is made of cotton strips or bands handwoven on the traditional narrow and hanging looms. Subsequently, these bands are sewn together and are dyed achieving spectacular designs that are full of meaning for the local culture. Against the evil eye, good luck, fertility, good harvest, rain, etc.

This is an authentic tribal garment which has been used in a rural environment so it may show imperfections and remarkable signs of wear. Although, from our point of view this doesn’t alter its beauty at all, but we recommend taking this in mind when deciding your purchase. Likewise having been dyed with natural indigo it must be washed by hand, limiting the time in contact with water to the minimum essential and taking care that during drying the piece is well extended.

Bogolan textiles are amongst the most interesting textiles from Western Africa. Their amazingly avant-garde design should not make us think that we are in front of a recent evolution of African art but we are rather facing an ancient craft. The name would come from the Bambara language and linked to the use quite often of mud in the process of making. The variety of designs is almost endless. It is made from narrow strips of cotton woven by dexterous artisans, which are then sewn together to make larger pieces of cloth. Those are then dyed and decorated in a serie of different stages using natural substances. True pieces of tribal art not to be missed.  

Melfa is the traditional Mauritanian veil or tissue that women wear around their bodies. This batik dyed cotton textiles feature wonderful designs with vibrant colours that recall the firmament.

This size will suit perfectly as pareo or shawl, also as curtain, wall deco, over the table, etc

Melfa is the traditional Mauritanian veil or tissue that women wear around their bodies. This batik dyed cotton textiles feature wonderful designs with vibrant colours that recall the firmament.

This size will suit perfectly as pareo or shawl, also as curtain, wall deco, over the table, etc

Melfa is the traditional Mauritanian veil or tissue that women wear around their bodies. This batik dyed cotton textiles feature wonderful designs with vibrant colours that recall the firmament.

This size will suit perfectly as pareo or shawl, also as curtain, wall deco, over the table, etc

For many Kuba textiles are amongst the most appealing African textiles. They are raffia cut-pile cloths, very often artistically embroidered and further enriched with tight tufting that somehow reminds of -raffia- velvet. They show a great variety of designs mainly geometrical. Used by men as skirts they were symbols of status and, as such, highly esteemed.

For many Kuba textiles are amongst the most appealing African textiles. They are raffia cut-pile cloths, very often artistically embroidered and further enriched with tight tufting that somehow reminds of -raffia- velvet. They show a great variety of designs mainly geometrical. Used by men as skirts they were symbols of status and, as such, highly esteemed.

For many Kuba textiles are amongst the most appealing African textiles. They are raffia cut-pile cloths, very often artistically embroidered and further enriched with tight tufting that somehow reminds of -raffia- velvet. They show a great variety of designs mainly geometrical. Used by men as skirts they were symbols of status and, as such, highly esteemed.

For many Kuba textiles are amongst the most appealing African textiles. They are raffia cut-pile cloths, very often artistically embroidered and further enriched with tight tufting that somehow reminds of -raffia- velvet. They show a great variety of designs mainly geometrical. Used by men as skirts they were symbols of status and, as such, highly esteemed.

For many Kuba textiles are amongst the most appealing African textiles. They are raffia cut-pile cloths, very often artistically embroidered and further enriched with tight tufting that somehow reminds of -raffia- velvet. They show a great variety of designs mainly geometrical. Used by men as skirts they were symbols of status and, as such, highly esteemed.

For many Kuba textiles are amongst the most appealing African textiles. They are raffia cut-pile cloths, very often artistically embroidered and further enriched with tight tufting that somehow reminds of -raffia- velvet. They show a great variety of designs mainly geometrical. Used by men as skirts they were symbols of status and, as such, highly esteemed.

For many Kuba textiles are amongst the most appealing African textiles. They are raffia cut-pile cloths, very often artistically embroidered and further enriched with tight tufting that somehow reminds of -raffia- velvet. They show a great variety of designs mainly geometrical. Used by men as skirts they were symbols of status and, as such, highly esteemed.

A fantastic cotton fabric dyed with natural indigo by the method of reserve, batik or madiba. Dogon women would use it as a skirt or shawl. It is made of cotton strips or bands handwoven on the traditional narrow and hanging looms. Subsequently, these bands are sewn together and are dyed achieving spectacular designs that are full of meaning for the local culture. Against the evil eye, good luck, fertility, good harvest, rain, etc.

The cultivation and weaving of cotton travels back more than a thousand years in the history of Mali, as well as the techniques for the processing and dying with indigo, which in this region grows wild (Indigofera Arrecta) and is also cultivated. Archaeological excavations at the Bandiagara Escarpment (Mali) in the last century’s decade of the 60’s unearthed remnants of indigo-dyed cotton fabrics dating from the 10th to 12th centuries whose manufacture and motifs are practically the same as those found nowadays. These findings are attributed to the already extinct Tellem people who were replaced by the Dogons who would have inherited the knowledge and technology to produce such fabrics.

This is an authentic tribal garment which has been used in a rural environment so it may show imperfections and remarkable signs of wear. Although, from our point of view this doesn’t alter its beauty at all, but we recommend taking this in mind when deciding your purchase. Likewise having been dyed with natural indigo it must be washed by hand, limiting the time in contact with water to the minimum essential and taking care that during drying the piece is well extended.

A lovely wrap or pareo (pagne) from the Baulé of Ivory Coast. This is a 100% handmade garment woven by the Baulé using traditional hanging looms and techniques dating back to the Xth century. The final cloth is made by sewing together about 9 to 11 indigo dyed thin cotton bands. Then embroided zoomorphic and antropomorphic motivs sewn with vivid colors which will provide protection and good will to the wearer. Truly beautiful.

This one is a vintage example that has been chosen due to its authenticity and beauty. It is in a reasonable good state even though it may show some slight spots or minor unstitches that only add to its captivating and undeniable charm.

The word -suzani- derives from the old persian word for needle so that it may be translated as -needlework-. Suzanis are one of the most attractive traditional crafts from Uzbekistan and they have been highly reputed for centuries. They are used as bed covers, as hangings and even as table covers. This beautiful old handmade example is embroidered on cotton and shows a luxurious floral decoration. A piece that will catch everybody's immediate attention.

The word -suzani- derives from the old persian word for needle so that it may be translated as -needlework-. Suzanis are one of the most attractive traditional crafts from Uzbekistan and they have been highly reputed for centuries. They are used as bed covers, as hangings and even as table covers. This beautiful old handmade example is embroidered on cotton and shows a luxurious floral decoration. A piece that will catch everybody's immediate attention.

The word -suzani- derives from the old persian word for needle so that it may be translated as -needlework-. Suzanis are one of the most attractive traditional crafts from Uzbekistan and they have been highly reputed for centuries. They are used as bed covers, as hangings and even as table covers. This beautiful old handmade example is embroidered on cotton and shows a luxurious floral decoration. A piece that will catch everybody's immediate attention.

Bogolan textiles are amongst the most interesting textiles from Western Africa. Their amazingly avant-garde design should not make us think that we are in front of a recent evolution of African art but we are rather facing an ancient craft. The name would come from the Bambara language and linked to the use quite often of mud in the process of making. The variety of designs is almost endless. It is made from narrow strips of cotton woven by dexterous artisans, which are then sewn together to make larger pieces of cloth. Those are then dyed and decorated in a serie of different stages using natural substances. True pieces of tribal art not to be missed.  

Bogolan textiles are amongst the most interesting textiles from Western Africa. Their amazingly avant-garde design should not make us think that we are in front of a recent evolution of African art but we are rather facing an ancient craft. The name would come from the Bambara language and linked to the use quite often of mud in the process of making. The variety of designs is almost endless. It is made from narrow strips of cotton woven by dexterous artisans, which are then sewn together to make larger pieces of cloth. Those are then dyed and decorated in a serie of different stages using natural substances. True pieces of tribal art not to be missed.  

A vintage shawl, cape or -handira- from the Moroccan Berber group of the Marmoucha. Its shows a beautiful striped decoration with a great combination of colors. Handwowen in natural wool. Garments like this one are used not only in festive gatherings but also daily as a garment to withstand the freezing winter temperatures in the Atlas. It is fastened with textile straps or with fibula. 

This captivating example of an old Berber woman's shawl, -takhardit or tahruyt-, from the group of the Aït Atta is likely to be among the most easily recognisable of the garments of that kind worn by the members of this group together with their reputed handiras. The reason for that is probably the appealing colourful and fastastic artisan embroidered decoration usually distributed on both sides of a longitudinal axis or -tananmmast- which constitute yet another wonderful evidence of the awesome and vast Berber iconography. These shalws are equally used as such as wells as to cover the head and tpart of the face and, in case of the Aï Khabbash subgroup of the Aït Atta, are frequently further decorated with pompoms and small sequins.v The large confederation of the Aït Atta inhabits an extense area on the High Atlas from the Draa valley to the Ziz valley. Cotton. Some small tears and old repairs. A superb piece in all senses.

An appealing Berber haïk or shawl from M´Tougha in the Moroccan High Atlas. Handmade. Woven natural undyed wool. The combination of browns and creams as well as the distribution of the stripes are magnificent and grant it an elegant and authentic tribal character. A -haïk-, -hayk-, -haik- or -tahraoukht-, is an outer garment used by the different Berber tribes as part of their attire. It may come in many sizes and the way to wear it can vary a lot depending on the are and the needs of the wearer, for example, as a cape or as a sort of veil to cover head and face. 

A Berber handira or shawl from Kelaa M'Gouna, also known as the Valley of the Roses, in Southern Morocco at the doors of the vast Sahara Desert. Handmade. Woven natural wool. The combination of colors as well as the distribution of the stripes are magnificent and grant it an elegant and authentic tribal character. This kind of pieces is usually used as blankets as well as outer garments.

A lovely vintage girl's shawl, cape or -handira- from the Moroccan Berber group of the Marmoucha. Its shows a beatiful striped decoration featuring typical Berber motifs and a great combination of colors. Handwowen in wool and cotton (part if the decoration). Garments like this one are used not only in festive gatherings but also daily as a garment to withstand the freezing winter temperatures in the Atlas. It is fastened with textile straps or with fibula. 

The area where the Marmoucha Berber clan, belonging to the larger Zenata group, is not far from the imperial Moroccan city of Fes in the southern Middle Atlas. The Marmoucha are neighbours of the Beni Ouarain and that is why some of their pieces remind sometimes of the patterns and designs from the latter. Their flatweaves usually are rich in colors and tend to be quite bright and dense. The use of diamond or lozenge strings lattice of narrow black lines circling white squares is a typical old Marmoucha motif. In their knotted rugs they usually use the so-called Berber knot. 

A great Berber fringed -handira-, cape or shawl from M-Tougha in the Moroccan High Atlas mountain range. It is handwoven in natural dyed and undyed wool. Cotton weft. The distribution of its stripes and the combination of colors is very attractive. This kind of pieces is usually used as blankets as well as outer garments to withstand the freezing nights in the High Atlas. 

A lovely Berber haïk or shawl from M´Tougha in the Moroccan High Atlas. Handmade. Woven natural undyed wool and coton. Stripes dyed with natural henna extract. A -haïk-, -hayk-, -haik- or -tahraoukht-, is an outer garment used by the different Berber tribes as part of their attire. It may come in many sizes and the way to wear it can vary a lot depending on the are and the needs of the wearer, for example, as a cape or as a sort of veil to cover head and face. 

A  woman's shawl, cape or -handira- from the High Atlas, though the use of these capes has extended to some areas of the High Atlas as well. It combines handwoven natural undyed wool and cotton. It features very distinctive decorative stripes and long cotton fringes or pile. Distinctive sequins on cotton threads have been added. Nowadays it would be used during special gatherings and festivities where the women, dancing together, make a magical sound by ratling their jewellery and the sequins themselves!. 

A  woman's shawl, cape or -handira- from the High Atlas, though the use of these capes has extended to some areas of the High Atlas as well. It combines handwoven natural undyed wool and cotton. It features very distinctive decorative stripes. Nowadays it would be used during special gatherings and festivities where the women, dancing together, make a magical sound by ratling their jewellery.