Shield of the Mountain
Origin: Middle Atlas, Morocco (Zemmour/Zaiane tribes)
Size: 202 x 105 cm (excluding fringes)
Pile: Flatweave with long shaggy pile on reverse
Technique: Handwoven with tufted wool knots and cotton accents
Material: Wool with cotton decorative yarns
Condition: Very good vintage condition
Finishing: Tassels on both ends
Vintage Moroccan Wedding blanket / 205 x 105 cm
This vintage Moroccan wedding blanket (handira) belongs to a rarer and more functional lineage of bridal textiles, woven not only as a ceremonial adornment but also as a protective cloak for life in the high mountains. Unlike the sequined ivory versions more commonly associated with weddings, this handira embodies both beauty and resilience.
Woven by Amazigh women of the Middle Atlas, it was created for a bride to wear on her journey, its heavy structure and long shaggy pile on the reverse side shielding her from cold, snow and rain. Thus, it served a dual role, a symbolic textile carrying blessings, fertilit and protection, while also acting as a warm mantle for survival in the rugged landscape.
The craftwork reveals a bold yet refined sensibility. Alternating flatwoven bands in ivory, grey, yellow and black form a rhythmic striped ground, enlivened with colorful knotted tufts of cotton in pink, green and red. These decorative flourishes celebrate festivity and joy, while the shaggy underside, almost like sheepskin, adds warmth and practicality. The visual composition is typical of Zemmour and Zaiane traditions, where linear striping and protective pile were hallmarks of weaving for bridal ceremonies.
Its tones balance grounded strength with bursts of brightness, dark and neutral bands provide structure and stability, while the lively tufting adds vibrancy and symbolic blessing. This rare form of handira embodies the dual essence of Amazigh artistry, woven as both talisman and shield, beauty and utility, joy and resilience.
Shipped with from Morocco
