Habit of a Moor of Morocco in Winter in 1695

by Thomas Jefferys

This artistic piece perfectly conveys the dignity and nobility of a man from Morocco who bravely withstands the harsh and cold winter season of the Mediterranean region. This rare print differs from other works of that time devoted to the luxurious "Oriental" theme in the sense that it highlights the practical side of 17th-century North African clothing.

A large, thick Haïk, which was a kind of a cloak used by North Africans, wraps the body of the depicted man, indicating his high status and nobility. The drapery, which was created with rhythmic lines typical of Thomas Jefferys' prints, shows how the clothing was fixed to preserve body heat. Underneath, one can see the outline of either a Djellaba or a belted shirt, and the well-wrapped Feu (turban) indicates the status and origin of the person.

This valuable historical source illustrates what kinds of clothes were used in the Barbary Coast of Morocco during the rule of Moulay Ismail.