Unknown Maker, Syrian

This Bedouin dress with triangular “wing” sleeves dazzles the eye with an overall tie-dyed diamond pattern. Material evidence indicates that artisans practiced tie-dyeing in Syria by the 5th and 6th centuries, inspired by the bandhani (tie-dyed) cotton-trade textiles of India that traversed the well-beaten path to the Middle East. On this festive-occasion dress, the geometric design reflects embellishment on Bedouin jewelry and peasant ceramics, serving as striking decoration as well as an amulet to bestow magical protection on the wearer; the red on black and the yellow spots were understood to ward off the evil eye.