Zok Tapestry Woven Aba

This zok tapestry woven abba (aba) was made in 19th century Syria out of silk, cotton, and metallic thread.

Aba are an open robes worn by men. They are woven in two parts that are sewn together to create the completed garment. The decoration is usually geometric, sometimes with calligraphy.

This aba is made of silk and metallic thread with cotton weft. The tapestry weaving technique is reminiscent of flat woven kilim. Aleppo and Damascus were exporting abas as well as other woven wares all over the Middle East and further to North Africa, Iran and Afghanistan.