Fabric of Moroccan Life FROM THE PUBLISHER
For centuries, the people of Morocco have been producing magnificent embroideries, pile rugs, and flatweaves. The Fabric of Moroccan Life showcases rare embroideries, hangings, and rugs that reflect the broad range of traditions and cultural influences active in Morocco during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The book explores the artistic importance of these superb weavings as well as their central role in Moroccan culture.
Approximately 150 pieces -- and numerous details -- are illustrated in color, and additional photographs (including many that were taken in the 1930s) show how they were once used in everyday life in Morocco. The book includes essays on Moroccan embroidery and its origins, traditional costumes of the cities and rural areas, the weavings of the Berbers and other ethnic groups, and the distinctive characteristics of items made by particular ethnic sub-groups. The contributing writers are eminent scholars and experts in a variety of fields, including Moroccan history and culture; Moroccan rugs, textiles, and clothing; and natural dyes. A wealth of information is included that has never before been available in one volume.
Niloo Imami Paydar is curator of textiles and costumes at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Ivo Grammet is coordinator of a new museum in Nador, northern Morocco. The contributors include Gﾽrard Boﾽly, Gebhard Blazek, Katherine Dolk-Ellis, Narjys El Alaoui, Mustapha Hansali, Annette Korolnik-Andersch, Marcel Korolnik, Zineb Lehmam, Russell Pickering, Ahmed Skounti, Frieda Sorber, Wilfried Stanzer, and Marie-France Vivier.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
This volume, which catalogs fine examples of Moroccan embroidery, weaving, and dyeing, accompanies an exhibit that appeared at the Indianapolis Museum of Art through June 2002 and will travel to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, from June to August 2003. Paydar, curator of textiles and costumes at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and collector and writer Grammet have pulled together varied essays accompanied by engaging color photographs of exhibit pieces. Regional styles, techniques, and influences are detailed, and a few maps assist with the geographic references. Watermarks of traditional Moroccan motifs enhance the book's ethnic feel. Sadly, this lovely book has some disappointing flaws. One cannot easily locate photos cited in the text, there are no page references and seemingly no organization, and the lack of an index severely limits the book's usefulness. While an appendix offers a technical analysis of each piece, no reference is given to locate that item in the book. Thus, despite its beauty and the lack of other recent books or exhibitions on the topic, this is not for public libraries and will be an additional purchase for academic or specialized collections.-Karen Ellis, Nicholson Memorial Lib. Syst., Garland, TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Booknews
This sumptuous exhibition catalog provides a substantial introduction to the textiles of Morocco, with high-quality color plates and numerous photographs of traditional costume throughout the country. The catalog essays feature the history of Morocco, the story of the Indianapolis Museum's Niblack collection, and a life of Prosper Ricard, who initiated the study and appreciation of the arts of Morocco. The textiles are divided by geography and according to urban and rural traditions. A complete technical analysis of the collection and a list of references are included, but there is no index. Paydar is the curator of textiles at the Indianapolis Museum of Art; Grammet is an independent art historian in Morocco. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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