Aljoba

/alˈxoβa/ noun

Definition

A sleeveless outer garment or cloak worn in medieval Spain, derived from Islamic clothing styles.

Etymology

From Arabic al-jūbba, meaning a long outer garment. The word entered Spanish during Islamic occupation and referred to the distinctive clothing worn by Muslims and Jews in medieval Iberian communities.

Kelly Says

The aljoba shows how clothing crossed cultural boundaries in medieval Spain—Christians, Muslims, and Jews all wore similar garments, which drove religious authorities crazy trying to enforce clothing laws to keep communities visually distinct!

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