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Islamic Face Veil, Egyptian Bedouin Desert Garment Nikab Framed Collectible

$2,850
£2,168.43
€2,498.48
CA$4,046.11
A$4,340.75
CHF 2,328.29
MX$52,262.05
NOK 29,350.82
SEK 26,763.88
DKK 18,666.95

About the Item

Museum-Quality Antique Middle Eastern Islamic / Bedouin Niqab Face Veil, Mid-20th Century, with Silver Coins Amulets A rare and museum-quality iddle Eastern Islamic / Bedouin woman’s face veil (niqab), Egypt, circa 1920–1940. Traditionally worn by Bedouin women during weddings and ceremonial occasions, this extraordinary piece represents the finest examples of tribal jewelry, textile art, and Middle Eastern embroidery. Design Craftsmanship: * Worked on a base of fine red silk and cotton embroidery, richly adorned with antique Ottoman silver coins. * Heavily decorated lower edge with nickel silver amulets in the form of protective hands, believed to ward off the Evil Eye. * Intricate tassels, chains, add movement and texture. * Preserved in a custom lucite display box for protection and presentation. Cultural Significance: * These veils were more than garments; they were symbols of wealth, protection, and status within Bedouin communities of Egypt, Palestine, Sinai, and Negev. * Worn only during special events such as weddings and feasts, their ornate decoration distinguished them from the simpler everyday niqab. * Each veil reflects the identity of the tribe, with regional variations in embroidery, color, and adornment. Provenance Literature: Comparable examples are documented in “Traditional Palestinian Embroidery and Jewelry” by Abed Al-Samih Abu Omar, where such veils are identified as part of Bedouin women’s ceremonial attire. A very similar example in the British Museum and given a dating of 1880-1920 is illustrated in Suleman (2017, p. 81). Dimensions: * Veil: 12 in. W x 19 in. L * Framed: 25 in. H x 15.25 in. W x 3.75 in. D Condition: Exceptional preservation for its age, with rich patina, intact embroidery, and original silver elements. Framed for both museum display and private collection. This is a rare opportunity for serious collectors of Middle Eastern and tribal art to acquire a Bedouin bridal veil of outstanding quality. Its historic, ethnographic, and aesthetic value make it a centerpiece for any collection of Islamic, ethnographic, or textile arts.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 15.25 in (38.74 cm)Depth: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)
  • Style:
    Islamic (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1940
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Moreno Valley, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: TN7231stDibs: LU906836230032

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1940s Face Veil, Sinai Bedouin Desert Garment Nikab Framed Collectible
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Traditional antique circa 1940s Collectible women face veil from the Sinai Bedouin Desert Garment Nikab framed in a lucite box. Museum quality well preserved Middle Eastern Bedouin women face veil, from the Bedouin tribes of the Sinai Desert. Face veil for a Bedouin Women, North Sinai Egypt or Palestine Mid 20th C. An amazing Niqab, Negev Bedouin veil from Palestine or Egypt. Worked on a base of thin red silk and cotton embroidery with antique Ottoman nickel silver coins, glass beads, wool, embroidered, stones, carnelians, glass, and amber. Mid 20th century, circa 1940-50s typical Middle Eastern traditional Arabian Bedouin, Egyptian, Palestinian face mask, garment, head dress, tribal jewelry, bridal veil. Showing heavily decorated in the bottom with silver nickel hands amulets for the Evil Eye protection and early textiles (wool and silk) and tassels hanging down. Face coverings were worn for centuries by the women of various nomadic tribal groups of North Africa and the Middle East. In the western desert of Egypt, Berber women living in Bedouin societies sometimes wear masks or veils called niqab. The veils serve multiple functions, including protecting the women’s face from sun damage, filtering dust from the air, displaying adornment, and demonstrating wealth or status. The niqab worn by Bedouin women on special occasions are sometimes elaborately decorated with coins and beads, like this one. Such masks are not for everyday use; they would be too hot and heavy. They are worn during special events, such as weddings and feasts. Face veil: 12" W x 19" L, circa 1915-1930. Last pictures are references from the book: "Traditional Palestinian Embroidery...
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