Ethiopian Kaftan

Ethiopian embroideries can be attributed to two traditions. The Amhara people of the highlands, which are Christians, and their work is influenced by the Coptic Christians of Egypt and the Harar people who are Muslim and live in urban centers and whose work is influenced by India and Saudi Arabia.

Amhara women wear Kemis (chemise) which is a loose-fitting kaftan with wide sleeves such as this fine example. The neck opening is long and usually embellished with tight chain stitch cotton embroidery as are the shoulders. What makes this Kemis unique is the ground which, instead of white cotton, is shiny black satin indicating upper class origin. Also unique are the embroidery motifs which do not feature any traditional Coptic Christian crosses but rather rondel, triangles and stripes all outlined with couched embroidered borders.