Description

This is such a delightfully happy yoke!  Rows of shisha mirrors go down in columns below the base of the collar.  They look pretty good, with one missing at the top right corner.  Embroidered with fuchsia yarn, the shishas are accented by glass seed beads, mostly white but with a yellow column down the middle. A couple of the beads are loose, but can be easily fixed. Shisha mirrors are considered protective against the evil eye in Afghanistan.

Silver thread has been couched throughout the piece, with some gold colored thread mixed in. The background fabric is a forest green color and I expect that it is rayon, although it could be silk. This yoke has a worn feel to it as a lot of the silver thread shows wear on the top.  There is a stain on the top left corner. It may come off with washing. If this were mine, I would soak it in warm water, rinse and let dry flat.

The backing looks like faded linen or cotton.

Dimensions:

12” wide x 15” long
Band: 19” wide

This is a reclaimed dress yoke from Afghanistan. Traditional Kuchi dresses have a yoke under the neckline from which gathered, long panels of fabric flow. Sleeves are normally wide and they wear matching cuffed pants underneath. The garments are decorated with embroidery at the yoke, the collar, the bottom of the sleeves and the cuff of the pants. When a garment wears out, they remove the embroidered areas and re-use them in a new piece, so several generations might share some of the original outfit.

Evidence of machine stitching and synthetic materials indicates that this piece is probably from the 1970’s. Wear is a part of its history. The remnant can be gently hand washed and pressed (on the back side) before use. Incorporate into other projects that need a focal point. It would also look great framed as a piece with ethnographic interest.

Folkwear sells historical and ethnic patterns and they have a dress pattern from Afghanistan that would work well with this yoke: Afghan Nomad Dress

Afghan Tribal Arts is owned by Abdul Wardak who has imported from Afghanistan and the region since the late 1980’s. Abdul has a passion for all things handmade, but beads and rugs form the core part of his business. The gallery and showroom is located at 626 Broadway in downtown Paducah, Kentucky (USA).

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