Man�s hooded cape (akhnif)

Institution

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Object description:

In the southern Atlas Mountains, the akhnif, a hooded cape, was a standard man�s garment worn by both Muslims and Jews. It was typically black, and there was an intricate woven orange decoration on the back in a pattern resembling an eye. In compliance with local laws, Jews wore the garment inside out so as to mark them as Jews. Thus only the dangling threads of the inner side were visible, and only when the akhnif was rolled up to the shoulders was the pattern revealed in all its splendor.

Object/Work type:

capes (outerwear)

Cultural Heritage type:

Costume (hierarchy name)

Location:

Jerusalem - Israel

Object measurements:

L: 92; W: 300 cm

Production

Date: Late 19th century � early 20th century

Material/Technique: Goat hair, woven and embroidered

Resource

Rights Type:  

Record

Source: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Identifier: 201659