Saddle Cover for a Mule c. 20th century

This mule saddle cover was made by Glaoua, with undyed and dyed wool threads. The design shows a sophisticated understanding of textile structure. To create it, the weaver would have used a loom and a supplementary weft to create the pile. The inherent qualities of the wool, its warmth, durability, and workability, are all on display here. The weaver’s skilled techniques, combined with the texture and the weight of the material, all contribute to the saddle cover’s physical presence. The rich colors are not just decorative. They reflect the labor and resources required to dye the wool. The saddle cover, in its entirety, speaks to the rich cultural heritage and the significant amount of work involved in its production, inviting us to see the artistry embedded in the everyday.