So, continuing from the last post about Yemenite Jewish goldwork, these silver accessories are worn over the face. The strap at the top is for the forehead, and the lower piece hangs under the eyes, over the nose and mouth. I think these are for a bride? I have emailed various associations and I hope that someone more knowledgeable will write back with more information.
Now, these two dangling silver decorations may look like earrings, but they are not. They’re too heavy for ears! Instead, you put the hooks into the hair so that they dangle next to the ears as if they were earrings. I thought that was a very smart innovation.
Here is a closer view of the lower face veil.
This is one of a special series of posts based on the embroidery collection of Dr. Faegheh Shirazi, from The University of Texas at Austin. Her research is on “textiles, dress, gender identity discourse, and material culture in the Middle East; the meanings of veiling; rituals and rites of passage as they relate to material culture.” Over the years she has collected a number of examples of embroidery from around the world, and has very kindly allowed me to photograph them for my blog.
embroidery for ducks 
I find this series of posts fascinating. Thanks for sharing about it.
you’re welcome!
These postings are absolutely wonderful, SO educational for everyone, but lovely treasures to admire. I am forwarding this to my friends, with your permission, of course. Thank you for such invaluable information.
Of course you can! I love new readers 🙂 Though I really hope I can find someone who really knows something about these, because I really don’t know much!
I am so sorry I can’t help, but I too would love to know more. Do you know the age of these and of the goldwork veil you showed us as well? These items are absolutely beautiful and it’s such a shame that knowledge of their purpose, how they were made and by whom and for whom and for what? A ceremony – wedding probably as you suggest. Can Dr Shirazi help?
I will ask Dr. Shirazi for more information, and I have sent several other emails out to Yemeni Jewish associations as well. I will update y’all when I have something more!
Hi Hannah,
Thank you again for such informative posts.
These silver/ works are just so intricate and beautiful! I would love to learn more about them.
Take care and have a great day!
They are fabulous, aren’t they!