Suzani (large embroidered hanging or cover)

The term suzani comes from the Persian word for needle, but in Central Asia it specifically refers to large, spectacularly colorful textiles embroidered in silk. Suzanis were tradi­tionally used as wall hangings or as covers to wrap bedding and clothing. Produced by women, they were an essential part of a wedding dowry. Because of their size, suzanis consist of several widths of narrower cloth. These ground (or base) fabrics were first laid out and the design drawn upon them. Each width of cloth was then embroidered separately, perhaps by several artists working together, before being assembled.