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  Patricia Deany August 7, 2011 at 2:36am

  The headdresses are very substantial, the temple pieces are marvelous and seem to contain the same pattern as the bracelets -- these look similar to Rashaida pieces. i am constantly looking for Rashaida and horn of Africa adornment, but it is very difficult to find. The headdresses, with the pointed top pieces, remind me of Turkoman attire, almost like war helmets. I am amazed by the complex headdresses that exist in this part of Africa and also in the Yemen -- Linda Pastorino shows a very heavy, complex bedouin helmet worn by young girls-- this totally belies the concept of flowing veils and delicate headpieces that we in the west often associate with Islam or Arabian women.
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  Alaa eddine SAGID August 7, 2011 at 2:58am

  There is such a mystery engulfing the entire region regarding ethnic jewelry from the Niger Tuaregs eastwards to the nile valley and the beja, rashaida and ethiopian people.

   

  Recently one frenchman who has extensively traveled west african sahel and sahara told me that CHAD is the last frontier where wonderful beads and silver items are to be found and are almost unknown in the famous ethnic collection. That intrigued me a lot.

   

  I find that ethiopian and rashaida pieces are the most common on the market in comparison to lets say jewelry from other parts such as somali or Chadian.

   

  As for your statement on the supposed delicateness of islamic oriental adornment, it is very true but unfortunately researches have always stressed on urban women jewelry because it was more accessible and they could easily link it to other antique and medieval major cultures (mediterranean, anatolian, mesopotamian, persian...) for it is very sophisticated.

   

  While the contryside women were adorning their body with the continuous history of their harsh tribal environment, thus keeping more ancient traditions predating monotheisms and urban societies.....their jewelry is much more "organic" showcasing  pre-monotheisms believes and sticking to the natural course of life : fertility, birth, motherhood, marriage, warding evil eye.....