WEARABLE HERITAGE

North Sinai veils

 

Veils from the north of the Sinai follow the tradition of the northern, Palestine Bedouin tribes. Traditionally the veils are made of very fine camelhair. The textile is woven in a very open weave and is often dyed in different shades or red and ochre. The cross-stich embroidery on the head band and the top half of the broad face panel characterizes the veils from northern Sinai; the coin decoration is centered on the lower half of the face panels. The veils are richly decorated with coins, beadwork and embroidery.

 

The women add the (silver) coins from their dowry to the veils, showing their wealth and status in society. Attached beadwork tassels or amulets often add more color to these veils.

 

Bedouin in these regions are often traders. Their travels and trade get them into contact with different nationalities and therefore with different coinage and materials. The veils from this area are characterized by the combination of these different materials. Sometimes antique coins are found on the veils as well , kept for their apotropaic qualities.