Textile material from Old Dongola: preliminary observations on trade and sartorial practices in the Ottoman period
Textile material from Old Dongola: preliminary observations on trade and sartorial practices in the Ottoman period

Summary/Abstract: The textiles presented in this paper come from the so-called House of the Mekk, which—judging by its intricate plan and size—was one of the most important compounds on the Old Dongola citadel during the Funj period (16th–18th centuries). The typology of the textiles presented is representative of an urban settlement, and two case studies, piece-dyed blue cottons and fabrics decorated with plaid-effect pattern in white and blue, are discussed in greater detail. The textile analysis is complemented by an assessment of various written sources (court registers, traveler’s accounts), which can produce information about trade routes and goods, and also offer a preliminary picture of the sartorial practices of the elite in Old Dongola during the Ottoman period.

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