The earliest evidence of a Jewish presence in Morocco is on tombstones dated 2nd Century C.E., found in the north of the country. As early as the 6th and 7th centuries, the Moroccan Jewish community increased as a result of incursions of Spanish Jews and mass conversions of Berber tribes. The Jews of Morocco have preserved the widest variety of styles in costume compared to other Jewish groups.
Urban dress is characterized by the use of velvets, brocades and silks.
Jewish needlewomen of Tetuan were renowned for these ornately embroidered wedding dresses. It exists in several colors, with evidence of regional variation. It is given to a bride by her father for wear at the wedding activities and other festive occasions. It is first worn at a pre-nuptial ceremony, the henna ceremony. The Great Dress has five parts.