Silk Mirror Cover

Tetouan, a city in northern Morocco, was established in the 14th century. In 1399 it was destroyed and its inhabitants exiled to Spain. In 1492, after the fall of Grenada, many of the Jewish and Muslim exiles returned, bringing with them the Hispano Moresque traditions. In the 17th century under Ottoman rule, trading with the Middle East flourished bringing eastern influence as well.

Tetouan embroidery is unlike any other Moroccan embroidery. The work is done with long satin stitches, it is mostly but not always double sided and the drawing style is reminiscent of Uzbek suzanis.

This mirror cover (tenifa) is a long, embroidered panel that is used to drape over mirrors during weddings and celebrations to ward off the evil eye. It is executed from freehand drawings made directly on fabric. The handwork is done in silk in satin stitch and double darning stitch. Polychrome in a warm and vibrant palette are on a natural color silk ground.