Woman's Cape

Not on view

The design of this cape is closely linked to the influence of "Orientalism" on the design of and demand for Syrian textiles. The term "orientalism" reflects Western travelers’ intense fascination with the Middle East during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Syrian textile producers created new products to satisfy the tastes of this new group of consumers. Although its shape resembles that of Moroccan and Algerian capes, the garment’s style and the use of a characteristically Syrian striped fabric alternating with bands of Arabic calligraphy suggest that it was made to appeal to foreigners visiting Syria. The calligraphy features the repeated phrase "There is no god but Allah."

Woman's Cape, Silk, cotton, wool, metal wrapped thread, metal, and paper; satin weave; plain weave; braided; felt

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Woman's Cape, Silk, cotton, wool, metal wrapped thread, metal, and paper; satin weave; plain weave; braided; felt
Woman's Cape, Silk, cotton, wool, metal wrapped thread, metal, and paper; satin weave; plain weave; braided; felt
Woman's Cape, Silk, cotton, wool, metal wrapped thread, metal, and paper; satin weave; plain weave; braided; felt
Woman's Cape, Silk, cotton, wool, metal wrapped thread, metal, and paper; satin weave; plain weave; braided; felt
Woman's Cape, Silk, cotton, wool, metal wrapped thread, metal, and paper; satin weave; plain weave; braided; felt
Woman's Cape, Silk, cotton, wool, metal wrapped thread, metal, and paper; satin weave; plain weave; braided; felt

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