From the Far West : Carpets and Textiles of Morocco

Host institution

Elvehjem Museum of Art

Organizer

Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.)

Date

• October 18, 1981-December 27, 1981

Summary

• Description from the Elvehjem Museum of Art calendar September - October 1981:
• "In the [Muslim] world[,] they call Morocco 'Al Maghrib Al Agsa [sic]'—The Far West. It was on her Atlantic shores in Northern Africa at the end of the seventh century that the swords of Islam touched their westernmost point, and Morocco still remains Islam's Far West. In the United States, great interest has long been shown in rugs from the Middle East, but relatively little is known [sic] about the equally vigorous weaving traditions of Morocco. Moroccan pile and flatwoven rugs display a wide variety of techniques and patterns, some based on Middle Eastern prototypes, others incorporating motifs and styles of weaving that are wholly indigenous to Morocco.
• "This major exhibition, organized by the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Moroccan government, includes approximately 85 carpets and textiles, some as large as 17x6 feet in size. Although most are of relatively recent manufacture, a few date to earlier centuries; but all follow the traditional techniques and patterns which have evolved through many generations."