Islamic Face Veil, Egyptian Bedouin Desert Garment Nikab Framed Collectible

Details

Description

Museum-Quality Antique Middle Eastern Islamic / Bedouin Niqab Face Veil, Mid-20th Century, with Silver Coins & Amulets
A rare and … Read more Museum-Quality Antique Middle Eastern Islamic / Bedouin Niqab Face Veil, Mid-20th Century, with Silver Coins & Amulets
A rare and museum-quality Middle 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 metal silver and gold color 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. See less