North African Textiles - Softcover

Spring, Christopher; Hudson, Julie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1560986662 ISBN 13: 9781560986669

Publisher: Smithsonian Inst Pr, 1996

Synopsis

The rich textile tradition of North Africa is a testament to the versatile creativity of local people and their ability both to resist and adapt to centuries of diverse cultural influences. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans had left their mark well before the Arab invasion of the seventh century while more recently, influences from Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East have contributed to the development of the tradition.
The authors describe the main types of loom and discuss embroidery, applique and tie-dyeing techniques. The significance of costume and cloth at marriage is explored, as well as the distinctions between textiles used in urban and rural environments. A separate chapter looks at Ethiopian textiles.

About this title

Synopsis

This text is a survey of North African textiles from ancient Egypt to the present day. It is published to accompany two exhibitions at the Museum of Mankind: "Modesty and Display: North African Textiles" and "Secular and Sacred: Ethopian Textiles". The rich textile tradition of North Africa is the result of centuries of diverse cultural influences. The civilizations of ancient Egypt, Carthage, Rome and Greece had left their mark well before the Arab invasion of the 8th century, while more recently peoples from Europe, the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa and India have contributed to its development. The book describes the main types of looms used and the spinning and dyeing techiques. It also looks at embroidery, applique, tie-dye and passementerie and explores the importance of symbols and motifs used in design. There is a contrast between textiles made in different parts of the region, and between town and country areas. Distinctions also reflect the different ways in which the tenets of Islam have been interpreted and expressed in urban and rural environments.

The living tradition of North African textiles is apparent in the founding of weaving co-operatives which adapt old techniques and styles to new materials and markets. The book aims to provide new insights into the significance of textiles in the North African cultural tradition.

About the Author

Christopher Spring is a curator in the Department of Ethnography, British Museum.

Edition details

• Publisher: Smithsonian Inst Pr
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1560986662
• ISBN 13: 9781560986669
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 143