Enquiry about object: 5287
Bedouin Face Veil (Burqua) Decorated with Silver
Bedouin People, Yemen first half of the 20th century
32cm x 14cm
Provenance
UK art market
This face covering or burqua would have been worn by a Bedouin woman most probably in Yemen but also possibly in adjacent Oman.
It comprises a panel of woven fabric dyed black. The top is decorated with a row of Yemeni silver beads of fine granulation work, interspersed with coral-red glass beads. From this a row of pendant spangles and bells are suspended.
Each side of the burqua is weighted with a row of attached silver alloy disks and plaques, including one old silver coin.
The end of each side terminates with a faceted glass diamante.
A cord at the top allow the burqua to be tied around the head.
The item is in very fine condition.
References
Rajab, J.S., Silver Jewellery of Oman, Tareq Rajab Museum, 1998.
Ransom, M., Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba: Regional Yemeni Jewelry, AUC Press, 2014.
Suleman, F., Textiles of the Middle East and Central Asia: The Fabric of Life, The British Museum, 2017.