Moroccan, Morocco

Most of the garment forms in this gallery follow a general Islamic style but defer in detail to local practices and aesthetics. A comparison of the shimmering Moroccan kaftan and Indian chogha in this case, on the other hand, shows remarkable continuity in form, technique, imagery, and color. Exemplified by these two garments, a well-defined trade network—united by mutual faith and aligned with centers of luxurious textile production created by Silk Road traffic—enabled an unbroken stream of influence from North Africa to India. The meandering floral vegetation, opulent gold and silk brocade, and dazzling white-and-gold color combination strike a common chord at two of the farthest reaches of the Muslim world.