Object History
Purchased from Dubai old market by Dr. Reem Tariq el Mutwalli in 2006.
Object Features
This light rectangular loose net weave cotton veil (shaylah nidwah) is simply a length of cut fabric adorned at regular intervals with machine embroidery (khwar) in gold metallic thread (zari), using small repetitive paisley (kazuwah) motifs.
Though it is imported ready-made from India, it is of high-quality cotton and refined embroidery work, so to make it more commercially attractive the sellers tagged the term (landani) meaning London quality to add further appeal.
This type of veil is reserved for special occasions and social gatherings and it is worn together with a cloak (abayah) to cover just the head, shoulders, and upper portion of the body. It is generally draped off the head, gathered on each side, and tucked in place at the elbow junctures similar to draping a shawl.
A common public practice within the region is to pull down the top portion above the forehead concealing the whole face down to the chest line, or reversely hold one of the draped corners in both hands and flip it up to cover the crown concealing the entire face, neck, and chest areas. This then renders the article a (ghishwah) from the verb to conceal. Both actions are carried out by women very swiftly, elegantly, and somewhat sensuously when any non-relative male crosses their path unexpectedly.
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