Author
Unknown (maker)
Publication Place
Egypt (made) Asyut (made) -
Subject
Africa
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Library
Victoria and Albert Museum
Library Asset ID
ME.119-2019
Record ID
ME.119-2019
Library Location
Middle East Section
Notes
This textile is an example of a traditional Egyptian fabric called tulle-bi-telli, often otherwise known as âAsyutâ fabric after the Egyptian city of Asyut, where this type of fabric was traditionally made. It consists of metal strips individually knotted and flattened around a base net fabric, to make patterned designs.Although documented since the eighteenth century, the craft expanded in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, when machine-made tulle was introduced to the area. The fabric is âembroideredâ with individual thin strips of beaten metal knotted around the net. Once all the knots have been added, the fabric is rolled to flatten it out. These fabrics were often associated with marriage gifts and therefore many of the motifs relate to ideas of fertility, amulets and protection, alongside floral and geometric motifs. Asyut has a large Christian population, and many of the designs also carry specifically Christian significance, such as crosses. Into the twentieth century, and especially following the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and resultant 'Egyptomania' in Europe and North America, these fabrics - and particularly their black and gold or silver colour scheme - gained increased popularity. They were widely purchased as souveniers by tourists, and in many cases the fabric was repurposed into dresses stylistically in keeping with Western fashion.
Malzemeler ve teknikler
Cotton net, silvered copper decoration Cotton (Textile) Metal
Fiziksel açıklama
Dress in black cotton net, with decoration formed of strips of silvered copper individually knotted around the net mesh.
