1889 Old Tunisian Bakhnoug Shawl - Textile Art Decor

Bakhnoug Wool Wedding Shawl 

Lovely geometric and abstract motifs. They form an alphabet through which declarations of belonging, of faith and messages of goodwill and hope are expressed. 

Note the use of black and white ornaments in the end panels as well as in the edge motifs

The white is not bright white as it must have been once upon a time. It has absorbed the color of the deep maroon dye - probably during washes over its lifetime.

Chenini Vilage, Tunisia

Chenini is an ancient settlement perched high on a hilltop ridge that was used mainly as a fortified granary by the local Berber Nomads.

Age unknown - estimated to be 50-70 years old

These textiles are very important to the family and so rarely available commercially.

LITERATURE EXAMPLE: A similar example may be seen in 'North African Textile' by Spring & Hudson on page 63

95 cm x 202 cm [Uneven width at both ends]