Since as early as the 14th century, weavers in the city of Fes, Morocco, have specialized in crafting patterned silk fabrics whose history is linked with that of the silk lampas textiles of Granada under the Nasrid dynasty of al-Andalus. The ceremonial woven silk belt (hizam) and brocade kaftan (khrib), worn by both Muslim and Jewish women, still occupy prominent positions in the visual image of Fassi (adjectival form of Fes) textile prowess. Costly to commission, these garments were prized financial investments often passed generationally between women of a family.
Based on PhD candidate Morgan Snoap’s dissertation project, this research asks how silk textiles woven in Fes function as active social agents whose meanings are continually remade through practices of identity, memory, and heritage making. Focusing on the late 19th century to present day, this online lecture presents a socio-cultural biography of patterned silk fabrics and garments expertly crafted for centuries in the city of Fes, Morocco. Over the past century, these textiles have punctuated the festive and everyday lives of Moroccans and are today considered valuable and protected facets of national cultural heritage.
A recording will be available for 14 days following the talk.
Fee:
General $17.85
FAMSF Members $7.18
Students $7.18
TAC Members FREE