Robe
| Type: | Clothing - Garment |
|---|---|
| Object Name: | Robe |
| Local Name: | aba |
| Place Made: | Asia: West Asia, Arabian Peninsula, Syria |
| Period: | Early to mid 20th century |
| Date: | 1900 - 1950 |
| Dimensions: | L 134 cm x W 103 cm |
| Materials: | Silk; metal thread |
| Techniques: | Plain woven; supplementary weft; hand-sewn; braided; couched |
| ID Number: | T89.0182 |
| Credit: | Gift of Dr. Howard Gorman |
Situated in the Syrian desert, the oasis city of Palmyra was a major conduit for the caravan trade in luxury silk textiles, originating in China and transported along the Silk Road to the markets of the West. Raw silk was also imported to be spun, woven and dyed. In the 6th century, silk production was introduced into Syria and the leaves of the white mulberry tree, which grows in the Syrian mountains, provided the staple food for the silk worms. Luxurious silk dresses became necessary accessories in the lifestyle of the rich and powerful. The style of clothing and jewellery featured on statues in Palmyra has, in some cases, continued to the present day. This fine silk aba is a common garment worn by upper-class men in the Middle East today, and there are many variations in the style. The most splendid of these are produced in Syria and Iraq.
