Name of Object:

Dokhla (wedding dress)

Location:

Tunis, Tunisia

Holding Institution:

Private collection

 About Higher Institute for the Study of Contemporary History of Tunisia, University of Manouba, Tunis

Date of Object:

19th century

Material(s) / Technique(s):

Embroidered fabric with gold-plated silver thread

Description:

This tunic is entirely embroidered with gold-plated silver thread. This is the most important element of the marriage ceremony (jelwa) in Nabeul (Tunisia). The rectangular tunic's splendour comes from its incredibly rich embroidery, which is made of various different silk ribbons, all embellished with tal. In fact, the embroidery entirely covers the fabric itself. The breast and belt areas are embroidered with sequins and gold thread. The tunic is calf-length, and a luxurious pair of silk trousers can be seen beneath, covered in gold embroidery to match the sleeves. In addition to this, one of the bride's many items of jewellery is a great chain of golden rings, a rihana, which she wears with a large necklace made of a scented material. Lastly, the bride's head is covered by an embroidered veil made of muslin and silk.

Type of Object

Textiles; dress; embroidery

Citation of this web page:

Saloua Khadhar Zangar "Dokhla (wedding dress)" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2026.
https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;AWE;tn;17;en

Prepared by: Saloua Khadhar Zangar
Translation by: Flaminia Baldwin

MWNF Working Number: TN 017