In Morocco’s Anti-Atlas Mountains, women continue to use various symbols to shield themselves from harmful forces. Textiles painted with these symbols are used in weddings, daily life, and special occasions.
Women from the Feija community wove veils (Adrar), blankets (Tahdicht), and garments (Haik) from hand-spun wool. Until the mid-20th century, these textiles were adorned with diverse protective symbols. The dye derived from the henna plant held particular significance.
The Feija attribute a blessing power (Baraka) to henna. Combined with protective symbols and motifs – some derived from the Tifinagh alphabet – these elements imbue the textiles with protective qualities.