Chedda of Tlemcen

The chedda of Tlemcen is a traditional Algerian dress, more precisely of the city of Tlemcen, but also worn in the west of the country in particular in Oran and Mostaganem. A pure product of the Tlemcenian craftsmanship, it was worn by the Tlemcenian princesses of yesteryear.

Description 
The outfit is a traditional kaftan in velvet and gold thread, decorated with cultured pearls, necklaces, meskia and graffache. Khorsa (kind of earrings that "fall" from the temples) and huge earrings hang from a conical cap embroidered with gold thread and deposited on the head.

The dress is considered in Tlemcen, as the most expensive and the most beautiful dress that the bride wears on the day of her wedding, but also the other women at weddings. This garment is worn by brides with other jewels such as djouhar cultured pearls, meskia hanging necklaces, el-kholkhal which is wrapped around the ankle, in addition to the bracelets while the head is capped with a conical chechia embroidered with gold thread on which is knotted the mendil of mensoudj, kind of scarf where are placed seven to nine diadems. Including zerrouf (tiara), djebel (diadem) and other ornaments.
 
Since 2012, the chedda is inscribed in the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, as Tlemcen's nuptial costume and rites; and the craftsmanship associated with them.

Notes and references

External links 

 Les rites et les savoir-faire artisanaux associés à la tradition du costume nuptial de Tlemcen, patrimoine culturel immatériel de l'humanité

Category:Folk costumes
Category:Algerian clothing