Producer unknown to us
Headscarf (Adrar)
Africa, Morocco, Anti-Atlas, Imi n`Tatelt
1870 and 1900
Textile; woven, painted
Annette Korolnik-Andersch (artist) and Marcel Korolnik (media designer) acquired the headscarf on one of their travels in Morocco
Donation to the Museum für Völkerkunde Dresden by Korolnik-Andersch in 2019
87968
A woman from the Feija-Chorfas community crafted this wool veil around 1900 in Imi n'Tatelt. The Chorfas occupy a special place in Moroccan society. They are recognized as descendants of the Prophet and are reputed to have healing abilities. The Chorfas make veils exclusively for weddings, and they are traditionally passed from mother to daughter.
This Adrar features a Bab motif at its center, symbolizing a doorway: the lower opening serves as an entrance for humans, while the upper circular passage is designated for house spirits (Djinn). Humans and spirits must never enter a house through the same doorway.
In the lower part of the Bab motif is the floral representation of the Seal of Solomon, while the upper part features a key-like symbol. According to legend, only women from the lineage of Saint Beni Jacoub were permitted to use this key-like symbol. Beni Jacoub is said to have had forty wives, and Chorfa women employed positive or protective symbols in their henna designs.
The Adrar was likely first used as an everyday veil; however, a later additional painting indicates that it was subsequently used for a wedding. This piece may have once belonged to the women of Saint Beni Jacoub.
Team GRASSI.SKD