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Embroidery sampler (chelliga/shelliga)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
These detailed samplers demonstrate the artist's technical range. Here, floral designs, protective open-palm hand motifs ( khamsa ) and various patterns are embroidered using double-running stitches, straight stitches, and long-armed cross stitches with dyed silk thread. Young women from all social classes would learn these skills from a master craftswoman ( mu'allima ), who taught within her home.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineEmbroidery sampler (chelliga/shelliga), c. 1700s. Africa, North Africa, Morocco, Moroccan embroiderer. Cotton, silk, dye; overall: 58.4 x 59.1 cm (23 x 23 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Educational Purchase Fund, 1929.831
