Chechaouen Embroidered Panel (arid)

Chechaouen is a small urban center in northern Morocco that took in a large influx of Muslim and Jewish refugees from Spain in the 15th century. Their influence is evident in their embroideries both stylistically and technically.The embroideries are incorporated into large panels and they are long and narrow shapes filled with cartouches, crosses, stars, chevrons, checks and medallions, as well as abstract floral and plant elements. The overall design radiates from a central star which is embroidered on older pieces such as this one. Various stitching techniques are used such as cross stitch, looped double running stitch and plait stitch and different thickness of yarns are used to achieve a varied texture. A large panel would typically have two embroidered strips and would be used as wall hanging for special occasions, chest cover or bedspread.