Veils and turbans are two of the oldest, most enduring fashion traditions in history, created to emulate and honor the Prophet Mohammed. The Tuareg, "People of the Veil," pay astonishing prices for this type of cloth, woven of narrow strips and glazed with indigo powder. Tuareg men delight in the blue metallic sheen that rubs off on their skin. Each day they adjust the veil to establish social distance: it can be pulled higher and tighter to demonstrate respect for others, or remain relaxed when around peers and trusted friends.
Cotton cloth
68 1/8 x 15 15/16 in. (173 x 40.5 cm)
Gift of Anita Fisk
83.7
Not currently on view
Resources
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Indigo, May 9, 2003 - October 19, 2003
Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.
