Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Sinai Veil

Posted by Lynn Ardent on November 8, 2016 at 3:12am

A northern Sinai Bedouin veil from, I believe, the mid-20th century. Most of the coins are from the 1910s, with some mid-century and some Ottoman. The coins are sewn on a multi-layered georgette fabric which is lightly embroidered. Across the forehead there is beautiful hand embroidery. The beads are glass, old agate, and plastic. On one side is an original woolen tie ending in a shell, on the other a cotton replacement.

Comments

zhanna grace townend November 10, 2016 at 4:53am

dear Lynn, thank you for posting this piece, it is so lovely to see pieces that women in an ethnic environment have worked themselves for wear & according to their spiritual beliefs,

this piece itself is very lively & the use of colour & form is quite remarkable, congratulations!

warm wishes, zhanna
Peter Hoesli November 12, 2016 at 7:44am

Dear Lynn; This is a nice veil - Congratulations! I like these veils because the ladies kept on working on them, attaching new amulets, coins, beads, etc. as they found and received them. So these veils will never be finished but complimented over the years. This is true Bedouin life and artistry! With kind regards. Peter