Athay Cushion Cover Made of Wool Hand-Embroidered, Handpainted with Natural Dyes

Approximate measurements: 19.7 x 19.7 in // 50 x 50 cm weight : 0.5 kg // 1.1 lb

The Anti-Atlas region of Morocco seems to be the only region in the world where henna is not only used to adorn the skin or to dye hair but also to decorate woollen textiles. Women weavers go on keeping this ancestral savoir-faire alive from generations to generations.

Handmade: Variation is to be expected, each piece differs in color, size, shape and decorations due to its handmade nature and natural dyes. memòri is about simplicity, imperfections, and embracing the “flaws”.

Care instructions: Hand wash cold with wool detergent only when really necessary.

About the savoir-faire, the art of weaving and natural dyeing in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas
In the Moroccan Anti-Atlas region, henna is considered a sacred plant. It acts as a protective talisman during wedding ceremonies and true “rites of passage”. In these territories, one of the oldest Berber tribes is the Feija tribe. During wedding ceremonies, and in particular during the wedding night, the bride wears a wool veil, painted with henna. In a landlocked village in this territory, women weavers carry on this hitherto unknown ancestral tradition of giving life to textiles. The veils, and the unique method of their creation are passed down from generation to generation from mother to daughter. These women are the guardians of this tradition.

About the artisan
This village is landlocked in the mountains of the Moroccan Anti-Atlas, until the early 2000s, it was accessible only on foot or accompanied by mules. The architecture of their typical houses is entirely made of local stones. Two cooperatives and more than 45 Berber women work in this tribal territory. Women weavers and dyers go on keeping this ancestral savoir-faire alive as the veil is still used for wedding ceremonies.