Museum Explorer
Dress and ornament
in Africa
Woollen tunic
From: the Mzab Valley, Algeria
Date: early 20th century AD
In the countryside in North Africa young girls are taught how to weave by their mothers. Although many of the patterns are based on old designs, weavers are also able to try out their own ideas.
This style of tunic is woven by women for their sons to wear in the winter. Different designs have names like 'birds with their young', 'pomegranate seeds', 'couscous grains', 'keys', 'forks' and a 'table with guests'. Can you see any of those patterns on this tunic?
