*A WOMAN’S FEZ BELT (HEZAM)

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION
Morocco, North Africa, 19th century

The pale green silk ground densely brocaded in cream, dark red, dark brown and blue in a slightly asymmetrical pattern of repeating grids containing stars, interlinking circles, and scrolling stylised sprigs, long braided fringes, one end with maroon grosgrain band at the back for a hanging rod, 453cm x 36cm.

The Fez belts, woven with many different designs in different sections, allowed the wearer to fold and wrap them in different ways, giving the impression of owning many belts. For similar examples, please see Niloo Imami Paydar and Ivo Grammet, The Fabric of Moroccan Life, pp.110-117.