04/04/07

       Bedouins always make their own clothes from the wool of their camels, sheep and goats. Bedouins also traditionally ware loose flowing robes that covered them from head to toe as they knew from experience that the best protection from the sunshine, wind and sand of the desert is to cover every part of their bodies.

Men

        Men wear a long cotton shirt called a thawb with a belt or rope, covered by an outer garment called abaya. The rope or belt represents the ability of a man to abide by rules and responsibilities of manhood. In winter they may wear a waterproof coat to keep them warm.

        Their heads are covered by a large headcloth the Shamagh, which can be white, red and white, or black and white in colour. The Shamagh is held in place by a double black cord known as the Agal and it is used also to protect their faces and necks. The ends of the cloth can be wrapped around the face and neck. It acts as protection from the cold, a shield from the sun's heat, and a screen to keep the wind and sand out.

Women

        Galabeyas are long flowing loose dresses with deep armholes and long, wide sleeves. This style is comfortable and cool for both the climate and culture. Galabeyas are usually only worn outside the home by women from country villages and Bedouins. However sometimes women in the cities wear it inside and out of the house because they make it with more comfortable material. These materials are the finest silk or velvet and are covered with jewels.

      Bedouins have worn galabeyas for many centuries and they are usually made from black or blue cotton and they are always cross stitched. The galabeya is perfect for a nomadic life style and the desert climate because it allows any breeze to go through and it doesn’t allow any sweat to build up. Galabeyas for special occasions can be made of silk or brocade and worn with Bedouin jewellery usually silver. The galabeya is traditionally worn with a headscarf or veil arranged and folded to become a headdress combined with the galabeya.  But it is not always worn because some times they make a face cover always decorated with many coins, beading, jewellery and tassles. Here are some pictures of galabeyas

      A black headcloth known as tarha covers their hair and is decorated in tiny cross-stitch designs: blue for unmarried women, red for married women. Their faces are always hidden behind their veils and these veils are called burga’s. Burga’s are made with gold and silver coins to show the financial situation of the family. The burga is not just a religious custom but it is a practical one to protect the woman’s face from the heat, wind and sand.  Married women wear a piece of black cloth on their forehead called an asaba which represents that the women is married and could not get married to any other man for the rest of her life. Bedouin women always need to keep thier head dress on as a cover from any strange men. That’s why they wear it when going out. Here are some pictures: