Niqab

NameVeil

CultureBedouin

Place madeEgypt, Africa

MediumMetal coins and chains, silk, glass beads, cotton

DimensionsOverall: 16 9/16 x 10 1/4 in. (42 x 26 cm)

Credit LineGift of David B. and Bonnie Naifeh Smith

Object numberA.2011.33.2

DescriptionNarrow blue cotton headband sewn to marroon silk face veil. Veil is embroidered with black geometric columns and seven columns of old silver coins down top half. The bottom half is covered with coins, and six large coins hang from bottom edge.The headband is embroidered in dark blue and maroon geometrics, and sewn with four silver fish and four large beads. A black cotton cord is attached to the ends and metal chains are attached to the lower corners, which attach to loops in the top veil corners. From the loops dangle three chains and one beaded length on each side. The beaded dangles and one chain on each side end in diamond shaped tinklers impressed with a crescent moon and star. The other chains end in hollow spheres. The veil has a short triangular cutout in the bottom center which is covered with a large coin.