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There is little known as to the origins of this magical shimmering cloth, and no common agreement as to its spelling (Assuit, Asute, Azute), but it is commonly agreed to originate in the Egyptian town of Asyut where is also referred to as Tulle be Telli, the Egyptian name for 'net of metal.'

Discovering Asuit cloths can be a mesmerizing experience. There is a magic in these shawls as if some secret code is embedded in the patters, which at first seem regular and repetitive and then to notice all the subtle variations and the wonder whether this was intentional, away to identify the maker, or simply a reflection of the skill or lack of skill, of the maker. The patterns only seem to repeat and perhaps the theory that these were created by blind workers has a basis.