Head cover

NameHead cover

CultureBeni Malak Tribe or Bani Malik Tribe

Date20th century

Place madeHijaz, Saudia Arabia, Middle East, Asia

MediumCotton, silk, silver and glass beads, plastic, leather, wool

Dimensions29 3/4 × 19 7/16 × 1 1/8 in. (75.5 × 49.4 × 2.8 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Anne Marie Weiss-Armush, A.2018.5.8

Object numberA.2018.5.8

ProvenanceThe donor married a Syrian man and moved to Saudi Arabia in 1976, where she lived for 11 years. During her stay she amassed a large collection of Middle Eastern garments.

DescriptionThis black rectangular head covering has a natural cotton lining. Red, white, and blue beads fashion a headband and chinstrap. The latter consists of five strands held in place by five small leather dividers. The bottom embellishments are appliques in cotton, silk and plastic. Further decorations consist of silver and glass beads (white, red, green, black, and blue) in triangular, zig-zag designs. Wool tassels in red, yellow, and blue are attached to bottom with white beads. Five single leather fringe strands have an attached silver bead. A wooden dowel is tacked onto the lining above the outer beaded area.