Embroidery sampler (chelliga/shelliga)

About this artwork

These detailed samplers demonstrate the artist's technical range. Here, floral designs, protective open-palm hand motifs (khamsa) and various patterns are embroidered using double-running stitches, straight stitches, and long-armed cross stitches with dyed silk thread. Young women from all social classes would learn these skills from a master craftswoman (mu’allima), who taught within her home. Upon the completion their studies, these professionally trained women would produce a sampler as a “di...