Habit of a Pilgrim of Mecca in 1588

by Thomas Jefferys

This beautiful copperplate engraving from the 18th century, produced by the famous cartographer and geographer Thomas Jefferys, provides us with an exciting look at the ceremonial garb of the Pilgrim of Mecca, as illustrated in 1588. As part of a collection of costumes from around the globe, this engraving is a vital document of the spiritual dedication and fashion traditions of the Middle East in the 16th century.

The engraving highlights the austere and time-honored nature of the pilgrim’s “habit,” exemplified by the unique drapery he wears while undertaking his pilgrimage to Mecca. Jefferys’ keen attention to detail in capturing the texture of the material and the elegant pose of the pilgrim helps create a link between 16th-century depictions of the region and the growing academic interest in global fashion culture in the 18th century.