Berber Woman's Dress

Black ground, red vines, and sleeves that do the talking.

Berber makers of the Middle Atlas, Morocco, North Africa, produced this woman’s dress in cotton in the 20th century. Hand embroidery on dark cloth is a familiar feature of North African village dress. A square yoke of red and white stitching sits at the chest, over a pale lining at the neck. Two vertical panels of red floral vine embroidery run down the front, and more red work edges the cuffs and hem. The black cotton is soft and matte.

About 50 by 53 inches. Black and red, with nothing to apologize for.