Woman's face mask

NameMask

CultureHarb Tribe (Beni Saleem/Bani Salim)

Date20th century

Place madeHejaz, Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Asia

MediumLeather, cotton, metal beads and ornaments

Dimensions20 7/8 × 8 7/8 × 1 in. (53 × 22.5 × 2.5 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Anne Marie Weiss-Armush, A.2018.5.6

Object numberA.2018.5.6

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 burka, made from cloth of twined cotton weft and leather warp is covered in tiny silver beads forming geometric patterns. The central, vertical line has eleven stamped metal ornaments of six different designs. At each temple is a silver amulet pendant representing Quran scroll holder. Long, leather, tasselled fringe hangs from bottom edge. A leather tie holds the burka on the head.