The Fabric of Moroccan Life

Edited by Niloo Imami Paydar and Ivo Grammet

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• Published: 2002
• Subject Listing: Textiles
• Bibliographic information: 304 pp., 195 illus., 170 in color, maps, bibliog., 9" x 12"
• Territorial rights: world
• Distributed for: Indianapolis Museum of Art
• Contents

For centuries, the people of Morocco have been producing magnificent embroideries, pile rugs, and flatweaves. The Fabric of Moroccan Life showcases rare embroideries, hangings, and rugs that reflect the broad range of traditions and cultural influences active in Morocco during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The book explores the artistic importance of these superb weavings as well as their central role in Moroccan culture.

Approximately 150 pieces - and numerous details - are illustrated in color, and additional photographs (including many that were taken in the 1930s) show how they were once used in everyday life in Morocco. The book includes essays on Moroccan embroidery and its origins, traditional costumes of the cities and rural areas, the weavings of the Berbers and other ethnic groups, and the distinctive characteristics of items made by particular ethnic sub-groups. The contributing writers are eminent scholars and experts in a variety of fields, including Moroccan history and culture; Moroccan rugs, textiles, and clothing; and natural dyes. A wealth of information is included that has never before been available in one volume.

Niloo Imami Paydar is curator of textiles and costumes at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Ivo Grammet is coordinator of a new museum in Nador, northern Morocco. The contributors include Gérard Bo‘ly, Gebhard Blazek, Katherine Dolk-Ellis, Narjys El Alaoui, Mustapha Hansali, Annette Korolnik-Andersch, Marcel Korolnik, Zineb Lehmam, Russell Pickering, Ahmed Skounti, Frieda Sorber, Wilfried Stanzer, and Marie-France Vivier.

Statement by His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The Niblack Legacy
Prosper Ricard
Map of Morocco
Morocco: Geography, History, and Culture
Urban Textiles
- City Life
- Embroideries
- Urban Costumes and Fez Belts
- Rabat Rugs
Rural Weavings
- Ethnographic Map of Morocco
- Weavings for Rural Life
- Weaving Techniques and Tools
- Designs and Influences
The Rif and Easter Morocco
- Rif Costumes
- Eastern Moroccan Rugs
The Middle Atlas
- Life in Tents
- Zemmour Weavings
- Beni Ouarain Weavings
- Central Middle Atlas Weavings
- Sale Rugs
The Plains of Marrakesh: Weavings
- Settled Life in Southern Morocco
The High Atlas
- Azilal Rugs
- Ait Hadiddou, Ait Morrhad, and Ait Atta Costumes
The Siroua
- Ait Ouaouzguite Weavings
- Siroua Costumes
The Anti Atlas
- Textiles and Dyes
- Henna Painting in Textiles
Ethnographic Maps: Zemmour, Beni Ouarain and Ait Ouaouzguite
Contributors
Technical Analysis of the Collection
References