Name/Title
Untitled (circa 1990s)Entry/Object ID
2022.153bDescription
The woman wears the face veil (burqaʿ) and embroidered dress (thobe) associated with Bir Saba in the Al Naqab region of southern Palestine. The face veil is adorned with coins suspended from an embroidered forehead band, reflecting family lineage, social status, and wealth. The Bir Saba thobe is distinguished by its oversized cut, which provided both modesty and ventilation in the desert climate. Its generous proportions allowed air to circulate around the body, demonstrating how Palestinian dress traditions were adapted to local environmental conditions.
The model's black eyeliner may reference the historical use of kohl, a dark eye cosmetic traditionally worn by Bedouin women and men for both aesthetic and practical purposes, including reducing glare from the desert sun and protecting the eyes from dust.
This photograph is part of a two-part set. Its companion photograph is cataloged as object no. 2022.153a.
Authored by Wafa GhnaimCollection
Permanent CollectionCataloged By
Wafa GhnaimMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Lily BandakRole
PhotographerDate made
circa 1990Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Makers MarkLocation
Bottom right cornerTranscription
Signature of Lily BandakRelationships
Related Places
Notes
type: travel
date: 1995-2010
certainty: precise
notes: Lily had a darkroom in her home in Delaware, and this photograph was likely printed at that time.Notes
type: travel
date: 2024
certainty: precise
notes: The photograph was donated to the Museum of the Palestinian People.Provenance
Provenance Detail
Gift of the Bandak familyReproductions
Notes
This is an authentic reproduction, mounted and signed by Lily Bandak.