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Caftan

National Museum of African Art

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Object Details

Undetermined artist
Label Text
This style of clothing probably originated in Persia and eventually spread and became popular throughout the Arab world. Caftans were worn by both men and women, especially scholars and high-ranking officials who were part of the Moroccan urban elite. This particular type of caftan was probably worn as part of a bridal costume and was likely an early style garment due to the wide sleeves. Later caftan styles have narrower sleeves, much like European clothing. This older style caftan is rarely worn today.
Description
Long saffron yellow colored gown of richly brocaded cloth with wide bell-shaped sleeves and no collar. It is decorated with a double row of buttons worked in thread down to the waist. On each side of the row of buttons is an oval shaped design the ends of which extend up and around the collar. The gown itself is embellished with a floral pattern and the edges finished in silk braid. The inside is lined in white cloth and edged in blue.
Provenance
Brian Aherne, acquired Morocco, before 1950
Alan Aherne, Pismo Beach, California, -- to 2001
Credit Line
Gift of the Aherne family, in memory of Brian and Eleanor Aherne
Mid-19th century
Object number
2001-19-1
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
Textile and Fiber Arts
Medium
Silk, cotton, metal wrapped thread
Dimensions
H x W: 135.7 x 152.8 cm (53 7/16 x 60 3/16 in.)
Geography
Morocco
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
Object Name
qaftane
National Museum of African Art
Topic
male
Record ID
nmafa_2001-19-1
Usage of Metadata (Object Detail Text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys77a3ae0d5-02f9-4876-9722-106dc76af8e3
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