DepartmentTextiles-Africa

Niqab

NameVeil

CultureBedouin

Place madeEgypt, Africa

MediumSilk, metal coins, chains, wool, cotton, glass beads

DimensionsOverall: 20 1/16 x 14 9/16 in. (51 x 37 cm)

Credit LineGift of David B. and Bonnie Naifeh Smith

Object numberA.2011.33.1

DescriptionVeil of light orange silk, embroidered with black vertical bands, and sewn at bottom with several rows of old coins, as well as along sides. Veil is attached to center and edges of maroon, red and green headband, which is adorned with large coins and strips of dangling beadwork. Red wool and cotton ties are attached at corners, metal chains are tied to the ties, and these are sewn to metal loops at the top corners of the veil. Five more chains dangle from the bottom of the loops, these, the length of the veil, are tied to a thick wool cord which connects the chains from each side. At the end of each chain are diamond shaped metal tinklers and beaded dangles.