The Original Face Mask
This face veil is stiffened by embroidering it with alternating layers of thread, silver glass beads and mother of pearl buttons. The central ridge of the veil is folded and festooned with silver coins, buttons and metal bits. Black leather fringed tassels looped with metal beads hang down the two sides of the wearer’s face and the back-cloth strap firmly anchors the veil over the head. An added fringe with metal ends weighs down the piece / preventing it from flying away.
Arid deserts as far as the eye can see, but where once there were only the odd settlements and roving bedouin here and there, now there are cities and towns throughout the land. Development and modernization has had an impressive impact in our daily lives. The dynamic forces that have shaped the land played a great role in our expansion.
If we looked at how people lived here just a hundred years ago, we would see how they adapted themselves to the harsh environment and gain a better understanding of where we were versus our predecessors’ lives in this land were, they were endlessly creative in how they protected themselves from sandstorms and scorching sun. One of the tools our great grandmothers would use was the face veil. Veils across the Islamic world varied greatly in style, shape, material and purpose, but for Bedouin women the veils were effective protection against the desert. where we are now. As hard as our predecessors’ lives in this land were, they were endlessly creative in how they protected themselves from sandstorms and scorching sun. One of the tools our great grandmothers would use was the face veil. Veils across the Islamic world varied greatly in style, shape, material and purpose, but for Bedouin women the veils were effective protection against the desert.
Madinah Burga
Still, that did not detract their efforts from being very detailed in their decorations. They embroidered, attached silver coins, applied layers and even used leather as a lining for extra protection. The Bedouin Burga was mainly embroidered and decorated with weighted tassels which makes it heavy and keeps it in place, allowing them to do their day to day work.
For special occasions, elaborate veils could take months to make and decorate, adding beads, coins, buttons and various accessories. Meanwhile, some women in cities like Makkah would wear white minimalistic veils made out of very light materials and lightly decorated with silver threads or pearls.
Makkah Burga
Bedouin Burga
This face veil is stiffened by embroidering it with alternating layers of thread, silver glass beads and mother of pearl buttons. The central ridge of the veil is folded and festooned with silver coins, buttons and metal bits. Black leather fringed tassels looped with metal beads hang down the two sides of the wearer’s face and the back-cloth strap firmly anchors the veil over the head. An added fringe with metal ends weighs down the piece / preventing it from flying away.
