large black cape with pointed hood; burnt-orange soft diamond shape on back with maroon band and dark blue, tan, and maroon ikat designs; geometric border separating orange from black; hair-like fringe; small metal rings attached for hanging

Cape, late 19th century

Amazigh (Berber)expand_more

Brocaded woolexpand_more

The Lotus Stack Textiles Endowmentexpand_more  2018.1.1

Not on Viewexpand_more

In rural Morocco, Amazigh (Berber) and Jewish men both wore this type of cape, which offered multiple layers of protection. Woven of heavy goat wool and hair, it enfolded the wearer in its warmth and shielded him from the elements in the Atlas Mountains. The large orange shape on the back symbolizes a dramatic eye, meant to protect the wearer from the harmful forces of the evil eye. Belief that someone’s malicious glare has the power to cause misfortune or injury is widespread among Mediterranean cultures.

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Details
Title
Cape
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2018.1.1
Curator Approved

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large black cape with pointed hood; burnt-orange soft diamond shape on back with maroon band and dark blue, tan, and maroon ikat designs; geometric border separating orange from black; hair-like fringe; small metal rings attached for hanging

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