abayah; robe

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Object Type: abayah; robe
Museum number: 2016,6029.1
Description: Man's black and golden-yellow striped silk abaya that has been altered into a woman's (?) western-style robe. The abaya has been cut and re-sewn to create a slightly gathered waistline, small arm holes and has a black collar attached to it. A large ornamental oval clasp made of gold cord and a hook-and-eye are sewn on the front to fasten the robe and it has been lined with beige silk. There is also a self-covered button and button-hole tab within the robe's lining used to fasten the robe from the inside.
Production date: 1910-1930 (production date of origial abayah)
Production place: Made in: Lebanon (? (original abayah)); Made in: Syria (? (original abayah)); Made in: England (alterations)
Findspot: Found/Acquired: London (England)
Materials
Technique
Dimensions: Length: 134 centimetres; Width: 137 (shoulder-to-shoulder)
Location: Not on display
Associated names
Acquisition name
Previous owner
Acquisition date: 2016
Acquisition notes: The abayah was acquired by Joss Graham in April 2006 as part of a collection of 14 Arab garments (embroidered slippers, belts, a keffiyeh, head-ropes and other robes) once owned by T.E. Lawrence. This men's abayah has been tailored into a female western-style robe but it is not clear if it was altered during Lawrence's lifetime or after and who it was tailored for. It was purchased by Caroline Gordon in June 2010. Deposited 06/05/16 no.1216.
Department: Middle East
Registration number: 2016,6029.1

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