Embroidery sampler (chelliga/shelliga)

1800s

This object has related works. See

Africa, North Africa, Morocco, Salé, Moroccan embroiderer

Medium

Cotton, silk, dye

Measurements

Overall: 104.1 x 81.3 cm (41 x 32 in.)

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1929.842

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

This sampler's motifs include human figures, floral motifs, doorways, and “resha” starlike motifs. It is unusual for samplers to have a fringe border.

Description

These detailed samplers demonstrate the artist's technical range. Here, floral designs, protective open-palm hand motifs (khamsa) and various patterns are embroidered using double-running stitches, straight stitches, and long-armed cross stitches with dyed silk thread. Young women from all social classes would learn these skills from a master craftswoman (mu’allima), who taught within her home. Upon the completion their studies, these professionally trained women would produce a sampler as a “diploma” testifying to their skills.