Shemma cloth scarves (parts a-c). Three pieces of finely woven, gauzy cotton of different lengths and widths. Each piece has panels of embroidery in brown and black, with diamond-shaped motifs in pink, white, yellow and red – alternating between patterns of concentric diamonds and a large diamond composed of four smaller diamonds. Scarf or shawl (part a) is composed of two pieces of white gauze, sewn along one long edge, with embroidered panels down the short sides, with short sparse white fringe. Long shawl (part b) of white gauze with wide embroidered panels along short sides as well as two panels near centre. Small shawl (part c) of white gauze with embroidered panel along one long edge.

• History Of Use

  Netela scarf, or shawl, for wrapping around the upper body. The cloth is traditionally woven by men, but mostly worn by women.

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• Type of Item scarf
• Culture Amhara
• Material cotton fibre, dye
• Measurements height 142.2 cm, width 186.4 cm (part a) height 70.6 cm, width 63.8 cm (part c) height 70.3 cm, width 217.8 cm (part b)

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• Previous Owner Duncan Etches
• Received from Duncan Etches

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• Made in Ethiopia

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• Collection Date between 1967 and 1969
• Ownership Date before July 8, 2022
• Acquisition Date on July 8, 2022

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• Item Classes textiles
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3577/0002 a-c