Woman’s Head Scarf

The Berbers of Morocco popularized the use of henna in dyeing some of their textiles. Henna, not indigenous to the region, was imported and believed to possess special blessing power. The days of henna paintings are over since the practice apparently ended around the middle of the 20th century.

This piece is a scarf of plain woven wool and the henna is applied by painting. Two edges are lined with a dyed border and have a dyed rectangle in the center of the border.. Four tassels decorate the four corners.

For a similar example see “The Fabric of Moroccan Life” by Paydar and Grammet, page 272