A stunning exhibition at the DePaul University Art Gallery will bring to Chicago for the first time textiles and jewelry of the North African kingdom of Morocco. The exhibition opens March 31, at the gallery, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., first floor of the John T. Richardson Library, with a public reception at 5 p.m. and runs through July 15.

     "Weaving Culture: Textiles and Jewelry of Morocco" contains close to 50 pieces, including elaborate examples of rug weaving of the Atlas Mountains, delicate embroidery, radiant gold brocades of wealthy urban centers and beautifully crafted gold and silver jewelry. The exhibition is part of a university-wide project, "Exploring Muslim Cultures (EMC)," which includes a series of exhibits, special events, lectures and spring quarter courses.

     "This exhibition provides a wonderful window into a history and a culture that we may not know very much about," said Louise Lincoln, director of the art gallery. "We are fortunate to be able to include some beautiful and rare pieces from a very distinctive region within the Islamic world."

     The diversity of Moroccan culture stems from the history of the region. By virtue of its location and accessibility by sea, the northernmost region of Africa flourished in antiquity due to the exchange of goods and ideas with the Near East and the Iberian Peninsula. The region was inhabited by indigenous, desert Berber, Phoenician traders and Jews. Islam was brought to the area by Arab armies in the 7th century.

     Moroccan weaving techniques and patterns can be traced to the Berber people, the largely rural population of the region. In the urban areas, sophisticated production techniques for silk damasks date back to medieval times. Luxury goods consumed in Europe during the medieval and Renaissance eras, including silk rugs, specialty textiles, precious metalwork and intricately decorated ceramics, originated in the Islamic world, including Morocco.

     "Weaving Culture" demonstrates how technical mastery of weaving in ancient Morocco produced a variety of textile types and patterns that reflected the many levels of society. Traditional Moroccan clothing, particularly that worn on special occasions, was partly held together by jewelry.

     The silver and gold jewelry pieces in the exhibition are both beautiful and functional, as reflected in an elaborately designed antique silver Torah case with a Star of David etched in its side. The jewelry collections of wealthy Moroccan women contained necklaces, bracelets, anklets and headgear with inlays of rubies, emeralds, jade and carnelia. Although many of the metalsmiths were Jewish, patterns and motifs in the jewelry often echoed Islamic themes, such as the hand of Fatima, Solomon's seal, floral patterns and calligraphy.

     "Weaving Culture: Textiles and Jewelry of Morocco" is supported in part by a generous grant from the Illinois Humanities Council.

     "Exploring Muslim Cultures" includes a series of exhibitions and lectures to support the displays of art and culture. For more information about the series, visit the EMC Web site at http://exploringmuslimculture.com/.

     The DePaul University Art Gallery is open Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. There is no admission fee. For more information about this exhibition and future shows, call 773/325-7506.