Ceremonial hanging (haiti),
Fez, mid-1800's. Silk velvet embroidered with metallic threads.
Indianapolis Museum of Art, Niblack Collection.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - "The Fabric of Moroccan Life," featuring some
of the finest and most important North African weavings in
existence, opens at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African
Art on June 6 and continues through September 21.
This is the first large-scale exhibit of one of the more
important collections of Moroccan textiles in the United States,
showcasing 67 rare, brightly colored textiles that are used in a
variety of contexts -- rugs, tent hangings, saddlebags and
clothing. Included are woven masterworks that reflect the broad
range of traditions used by the diverse cultures that were and
continue to be active in Morocco during the Eighteenth,
Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries.
"'The Fabric of Moroccan Life' advances the museum's goal to
promote the arts of the entire African continent," said museum
Director Sharon Patton. "It not only reflects our commitment to
present the visual arts of North Africa, but also builds on the
success of past exhibitions of textiles at the museum. Just as
previous exhibitions of textiles and other objects relating to
daily life struck a chord with the public, this vibrant
exhibition -- from one of the world's great centers of textile
arts -- is sure to draw in visitors."
The brightly colored pieces, featuring lively geometric and
floral designs, are from the Indianapolis Museum of Art's
world-renowned textile collection. Admiral Albert Niblack from
Indiana acquired many of these works when he was stationed in
Gibralter with the US Navy in the early Twentieth Century.
The exhibit explores the artistic importance of these superb
weavings as well as their central role in Morocco's urban and
rural cultures. Part of an oral and creative tradition passed
down through generations, the handcrafted works reflect the
diversity of this North African nation's landscape, culture and
society.
To enrich this evocative picture of Moroccan life, the exhibition
will also feature striking pieces of Moroccan jewelry and
costumes from the same periods. Photographs, many of which were
taken in the 1930s, accompany the exhibition and show how the
works were used in daily Moroccan life.
"The Fabric of Moroccan Life" is organized by the Indianapolis
Museum of Art and is under the high patronage of His Majesty
Mohammed VI, King of Morocco.
The exhibit is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog. The
304-page hardbound publication features new research and field
discoveries from preeminent international scholars on topics
ranging from the history, geography, culture and peoples of
Morocco to weaving techniques and clothing types -- information
never before available in one volume. Approximately 150 items --
including furnishing fabrics, embroideries, costumes and
clothing, and animal and tent trappings -- are illustrated in
color.
The museum is open 10 am to 5:30 pm daily and admission is
free. The museum is at 950 Independence Avenue SW. For
information, 202-357-4600 or visit nmafa.si.edu.
