Man's hooded cape (akhnif)
Ait Ouaouzguite (Berber) peoples
Siroua Mountains
1800s
Goat hair, wool, cotton, silk
167 x 133 cm (66 x 59 in.)
Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Eliza M. and Sarah L. Niblack Collection
33.1984

The most spectacular male garment was a type of hooded cape usually decorated with a long elliptical design on the lower back. This design represents the protective eye that the Berbers believe has the power to ward off the "evil eye." The large eye design is usually woven in red or yellow on a dark brown background. The boldness of the eye motif is often combined with intricate brocade and tapestry weaving.