Niqab

NameVeil

CultureBedouin

Place madeEgypt, Africa

MediumMetal coins, chains, cotton, synthetic fiber, glass beads, plastic buttons, wool

DimensionsOverall: 29 1/8 x 7 1/16 in. (74 x 18 cm)

Credit LineGift of David B. and Bonnie Naifeh Smith

Object numberA.2011.33.3

DescriptionLong, slender veil, the bottom 3/4 covered in coins. The ground fabric is an off-white synthetic backed with white cotton. The front embroidered in vertical bands of maroon and red embroidery. There are also white plastic buttons sewn with red thread within the coins on the center section. The top edge is embroidered in multiple colors, then edged in clear glass beads and black trim. The bottom is edged in a cotton floral print from which a row of coins hang. The brow band is of orange and white checked and patterned cotton which is attached to the veil by chains at the corner, and a long row of large plastic beads at the center, which dangle to the length of the coins on the veil. The lower edge of the brow band is decorated with a row of glass bead fringe in red, white, green and orange.