Wall Hanging (msimsim)

1800s
This object has related works. See
Overall: 314.9 x 62.5 cm (124 x 24 5/8 in.)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: not on view

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

Some scholars believe these checkerboard fabrics were traded, and eventually influenced patterns in some West African strip woven textiles.

Description

Msimsim wall hangings were one of three standard marriage gifts (ṣdāq or mahr) from a groom to a bride in Tétouan, Morocco, as recorded by marriage contracts from 1794 to 1894. These gifts indicated the financial commitment of marriage: divorce occurred if they weren’t promptly received! This msimsim was made from silk harvested in Tétouan, or from raw Asian silk imported via Marseille. Its traditional design is a double-sided gridded brocade (raised woven pattern), navy on one side, crimson on the other. When this was woven, at least 25 professional silk workshops flourished in Tétouan, producing bridal gifts and other goods that outsold European imports.
Wall Hanging (msimsim)

Wall Hanging (msimsim)

1800s

Africa, North Africa, Morocco, Tétouan, Moroccan weaver(s)

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.