Moroccan Fez Sash

Stiff and luxurious Fez sashes were worn by women all over Morocco on ceremonial or festive occasions, but in the 20th century they were worn mostly by brides on their wedding day. The highly complex lampas weaving technique requires two people per loom and incorporates supplementary weft and warp. The repeating yellow floral motif on a faded purple ground seen here is likely inspired by French textile designs of the early 18th century. The ends are braided into tassels. A sash would be worn draped a few times around the waist over 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.