Siwa Oasis Black Silk Dress Hand Embroidered Egyptian Bedouin Wedding Kaftan, Caftan Dress

The black Siwa dress — the most recognised form of Siwan costume. Deep indigo-black, hand embroidered in yellow, scarlet, green and black: a long panel of stitching down the neck opening, a great radiating sunburst at the chest, and lines of small motifs scattered across the body and skirt. A red lining shows at the neck. Worked entirely by hand by a Siwan woman. In Siwa these dresses belonged to the marriage sequence, each colour and motif carrying its own reading, and the black examples are the ones museums and collectors look for. Wide straight sleeves, loose T-cut, black side panels. Details Measurements laid flat: Length (shoulder to hem): 128 cm (50 in) Width armpit to armpit (across): 76 cm (30 in) — chest circumference approx. 152 cm (60 in) Size: One size, a very loose traditional cut. Fits up to US 3XL (US 24–26), bust up to 52 in (132 cm). Please compare with a garment you own. Origin: Siwa Oasis, Egypt — hand stitched, one of a kind Every piece in this shop is a single original — there is only one of this item, and the photographs are of the actual piece you will receive. Questions and additional photographs are always welcome.