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Anteeka

Vintage Bedouin Face Veil from Southern Sinai Egypt

Vintage Bedouin Face Veil from Southern Sinai Egypt

Regular price $500.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $500.00 USD
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This vintage Bedouin face veil, commonly known as the burqa', is a traditional garment worn by Bedouin women in the Southern Sinai desert region of Egypt. It dates back to the second half of the 20th century and features intricate embroidery in geometrical diamond patterns on its top band. This band is adorned with two rectangular, embossed brass elements with spherical dangles. They hang just above the eyes. The center of the band is embellished with two hands of Fatima. Attached to the ends through hoops, two hand woven bands, possibly a more recent addition, secure the veil to the head. Beads in shades of blue, red, orange, black, and white are woven into a long string and hang from either side of the top band.
The lower part of the veil is made of a sheer material, possibly silk, and is sewn on top of a backing textile made of a combination of stain and cotton. The top border is adorned with an x motif and the veil is further adorned with three rows of Ottoman coins, the largest is a medallion with Koranic verses. The veil is also decorated with brass elements and buttons. 

 

The veil is in good vintage condition. A similar veil can be seen in the Textile Research Center (Leiden) (TRC 2004.0066)

Dimensions:

  • Top band 31 x 4 cm (12 1/4 x 1 5/8"). Lower part 15 x39 cm (6 x 15 1/2").
  • Lower part of the veil Width 48 x 30 cm (19 x just under 12").
  • Weight is 307g.

For more jewelry from Egypt, please visit the Egyptian Collection.





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