Kamis (dress) made from two layers of soft cotton decorated with silk embroidery in red, yellow, black and green. This Ethiopian kamis (dress) belonged to Queen Terunesh, or Empress Tiruwork Wube, the second wife of Emperor Tewodros II and the mother of Prince Alemayehu. The Queen died about a month after the 1868 siege of Maqdala (Magdala), while being escorted by the British army to her home province. Her possessions were then sent to England, to the Secretary of State for India, who gave this garment to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1869. Items looted during the siege were also given to the Museum. The kamis is made from two layers of soft cotton decorated with silk embroidery in red, yellow, black and green. Kamis (dress), cotton embroidered with silk, Ethiopia, 1830-1868 Historic label text, date unknown: 'Robe, with sleeves, of linen, woven with stripes, and embroidered round the neck and at the cuffs with red, yellow, black, and green silks, chiefly in chain stitch. The pattern consists of successive bands of primitive ornament, between some of which are chequered panels, panels with chevrons, occasional rows of ?veiled women heads, balanced rude scroll arrangements, &c.; edged with a necklace device, beyong which is an open arrangement of circles and floriated slender crosses. Abyssinian. 19th century. L. 4ft 1in. W., from sleeve to sleeve, 5ft. 2in. Given by the Secretary of State for India. / This robe formerly belonged to the Queen of Abyssinia.' [Text - from catalogue? - pasted into accessions register.] Disclaimer: this label text includes terminology which has fallen from usage, repeated in this record in its original historical context. []