Fez Sash (Hizam)

Rigid Fez sashes were worn by women all over Morocco on ceremonial or festive occasions. The design is composed of floral patterns combined with heraldic motifs derived from Hispano Mooresque architectural elements plus abundance of hamsas and eight point stars. The color base as well as the design change within one sash and reverse looks like ikat. The ends are braided into tassels. They were woven in the highly complex lampas technique on draw looms. A sash would be draped few times around a kaftan and the width, dictated by the loom, is almost always cut in half to provide comfort and to allow both halves to be used separately, probably by two heirs of the original owner.