SOLD Antique Moroccan Islamic Muslim Jewish Brides Wedding Sash Belt l'ahzem

 
SOLD Rare antique late 18th-early 19th century Moroccan Fez (Morocco) Muslim or Sephardi Jewish brides Wedding - Bridal sash or belt l'ahzem or Bezam. 
Handwoven in fine silk on cotton foundation in typical Moorish highly complex design including arabesque and floral pattern. The ends woven with 8-pointed Mudejar-star and protective hand, so-called "hand of Fatima" or "khamsa" pattern. Arabic: خمسة‎ khamsah; Hebrew: חַמְסָה, including back side woven "Ikat" pattern inspired by Central Asian (Bukhara -Samarkand) Islamic fabric designee. This sash has four main designs, allowing for four different ways to wear it as only one design is visible while worn. The one end of the sash finished with three braided long tassels. Such sashes, as this one may have been woven by Jews living in nearby communities, who were known to manufacture some of the finest Moroccan textiles. 
 
This type of sash is known to have been worn by the Moroccan Muslim and Jewish brides tied around the waist over the ceremonial wedding dress which would be valued and used on special occasions during the rest of her life. 
 
MATERIAL: Silk on cotton foundation. 
 
CONDITION: The sash is in generally good condition with signs of use commensurate with age with light wear and stain, both sides. 
 
DIMENSIONS (approximately): 
Maximum length of the belt: 242 cm (95.28 inches) 
Width of the belt: 10 cm (3.94 inches)