This textile is from the Mejjat tribe in Southern Morocco and was originally made as an every day garment for a woman. It has a medium fine weft and is in almost impeccable condition except that there is a henna stain in the upper field. The Berber textile, second half 20th century, shows a gentle and subtle design emphasized through the fineness of the lines. The lines woven with various shades of natural wool are the only elements of design and create a drawing-like appearance. 

Lucien Viola, a textile collector based in Marrakech, and myself have written an article from two different points of view about striated garments from the Anti Atlas region in Morocco. ‘An infinity of Stripes’ published in HALI magazine 200 can be sent as a PDF upon request.

MEJJAT is a small tribal territory in the most southern part of the Anti-Atlas, at the edge of the Sahara, located about 90 km southeast of Tiznit. The tribe is relatively small and divided into four moieties. Striated garments have been worn by the women of this region and are among the most striking everyday textiles of the entire Anti-Atlas region. Most of these haiks (or blankets or transport bags) are woven in various shades of undyed wool with the exception of some examples incorporating color.