chechia
- Museum number
- Af1998,01.99
- Description
-
This is the first stage in the manufacture of the chechia (man's skull-cap). The baggy hat (kabbus) is knitted by women. This example is made from two-ply Australian merino wool.
- Production date
- 1997-1998
- Dimensions
-
Height: 25 centimetres
-
Width: 41 centimetres
- Curator's comments
- Eth.Doc.362. This kabbus would have made a first quality chechia either for export or local sale. Many processes are involved in making chechias. Initially, women based in the Tunis suburb of Ariana knit baggy hats using four square-ended needles. They are then fulled (washed in hot water, rotated and pressed) by men to shrink them and to compress the wool. They are then carded to raise the nap (pile). They are subsequently dyed and while still damp are shaped into skull-caps.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- Excellent.
- Acquisition date
- 1998
- Acquisition notes
- This fieldwork collection was purchased, together with Af1998,02-03, using British Petroleum sponsorship in February-March 1998.
- Department
- Africa, Oceania and the Americas
- Registration number
- Af1998,01.99
