A textile from the Mejjat region in Southern Morocco, second half 20th century, originally most probably used as blanket with a subdued yet distinctive design. Even though the composition on the field is one, it seems as if divided into two parts. Starting with the lower field, which consists of delicate light shades, the upper part increasingly becomes more graphic due to the light and dark contrasts. The shades of the undyed wool range from ivory to beige and from light brown to grey. This textile has a rustic chunky weft and can be used as a floor covering.

For more in depth discussion please see ‘An Infinity of Stripes’ published in HALI magazine 200 and found on the editorial page. Written by Lucien Viola, a textile collector based in Marrakech, and myself, the article explores two different points of view on striated garments coming from Anti Atlas region in Morocco.

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) are woven in various shades of undyed wool with the exception of some examples incorporating color.