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Born out of fourteen years of collaboration with the Mansoojat Foundation, this book pays homage to Saudi Arabia's rich textile heritage. From the Labah Sadr of the Bal Harith tribe (a silver necklace decorated with coloured glass beads, often recycled from old car lights) to the resplendent jasmine headdresses worn by the Jazan, Traditional Costumes of Saudi Arabia captures the stunning scope of traditional accessories and garb. Bright colours, bold patterns, intricate detail and eye-catching designs - the beauty of Arabian textiles is undeniable. Yet many in the western world do not appreciate the extent to which costume and culture are intertwined. Each headdress, thobe and necklace is an expression of identity, incorporating Islamic, Indian, Indonesian, Malay and Chinese influences that date back to the days of the Silk Road. Preserving costumes that are no longer worn and celebrating those which remain at the heart of communities, this book provides valuable insight into the history of Saudi Arabia through the voices of its oldest inhabitants. AUTHOR: Soraya Altorki is Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Sociology, Egyptology and Anthropology at The American University in Cairo. She is a founding member of Nour, a Beirut-based NGO that focuses on Arabian women. From 1991-1995, she served as a member of the Social Science Research Council's Joint Committee on the Near and Middle East, and is currently a member of the American Anthropological Association and the International Association for Middle East Studies. The Mansoojat Foundation is a UK-registered charity founded by Saudi women. The charity is dedicated to the preservation of ethnic Arabian costumes. They conduct research that is vital to our knowledge of the region's history and culture, and make Arabian heritage accessible to the public. Their workshop in Jeddah offers employment to women with hearing and speech impediments. SELLING POINTS: . A resplendent selection of garments from the many tribes who call Saudi Arabia home . Developed in partnership with the Mansoojat Foundation: a charity dedicated to preserving ethnic textiles and designs . An informative, accessible and beautiful celebration of culture

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9781788840408

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The Mansoojat Foundation is a UK-registered charity founded by Saudi women. The charity is dedicated to the preservation of ethnic Arabian costumes. They conduct research that is vital to our knowledge of the region's history and culture, and make Arabian heritage accessible to the public. Their workshop in Jeddah offers employment to women with hearing and speech impediments.

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