AN ABA OF BLACK WOOL
Najaf or Nasiriyah, Iraq, early 20th century

AN ABA OF BLACK WOOL
Najaf or Nasiriyah, Iraq, early 20th century

The fine black wool tabby-woven aba presenting the typical horizontal fold, the neck and front applied with heavy gold trimming and tassels, the shoulder seams and sleeve hems in metallic gold thread, 140cm long from the nape.

The aba (also known as abayah) was an ancient form of garment mentioned in the Bible as the attire of Hebrew prophets. It was traditionally made of heavy cream-coloured wool decorated with brightly coloured stripes or embroidery, but with time, it started exhibiting a whole variety of colours according to the region and to the occasion in which it was worn. For a very similar example to our lot, please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection (acc. no. C.I.60.25.2).

(Quantity:1)

Dimensions: 140cm long from the nape