Vintage Bedouin Wedding Headband

This is a nice wedding headband that was worn by Bedouin women of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. This headband was placed on the forehead like a fringe and was part of an elaborate headdress that was lined with leather and had dangling temporals.

The headband has rectangular pieces along its length, decorated with flat red glass and red beads to ward off evil spirits. A line of dangles hangs from the bottom. The band ends with triangular finials that would have been tied together with a cord of wool or leather. The headband is made from mixed metal wire mesh that was often spun by women. It is in good vintage condition though missing part of a dangle.

A lovely piece for a collection. It could also be worn as a choker by tying both ends with a ribbon or cord.

You can see a similar adornment in Musée du Quai Branly's collection and in Marjorie Ransom's book: Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba.

• Length is 44.5 cm (17 1/2").
• Width 7 cm (2 3/4").
• Weight is 352 grams.

For more Bedouin jewelry visit the Bedouin Jewelry Section.