By Annie Jones

The Influences on Jewish Dress in Medieval Spain and Morocco

Jews in Spain and Morocco, from the medieval period to the twentieth century, used clothing both to differentiate themselves and blend in. They dressed mostly like the people they were surrounded by, but borrowed influence from the rest of Andalusia, just as Muslims and Christians did. Jews in the Atlas Mountains dressed almost exactly like the Amazigh, while Jews in northern cities just borrowed from Amazigh jewelry designs, and both retained uniquely Jewish elements. Jews in Spain dressed almost exactly like Christian Spaniards, and even before their expulsion Spanish fashion influenced Jews in Morocco, who created styles of clothing that descended from uniquely Spanish garments. Jews personalized garments they were forced to wear to better fit the fashions of the day, but they also willingly donned uniquely Jewish clothing for both religious events and everyday life. Brides in Morocco wore the same kind of dress as brides in Spain, but each city, and each individual, had unique variations. In sum, Jews took advantage of everything clothing can be—a mark of uniqueness, a way to fit in, a connection to heritage, a display of wealth, and more. They tapped into myriad influences and influenced those cultures in turn.