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Colour illustrated wraps 20x22cm. Printed by Al-Ahleia P. Press, Doha. 11, 51pp Arabic and English text, with colour and b/w photos and drawings throughout. Covers very good, rubbed to the spine, interiors near fine. This early publication appears to be very rare. The Arab Gulf States Folklore Centre was formed in Doha by the Governments of Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to collect, record and study regional folklore, disseminate findings, and protect and preserve as an integral part of national heritage. Najla al-Izzi was a researcher in its Handicraft Department. She prepared this handbook on traditional women's clothing as a preliminary for more detailed studies. Her intensive research drew on her own collection, exhibits in the Qatar National Museum, and interviews with craftsmen and women such as embroiderers and tailors, and with Qatari women. "The main point of the study is to trace its roots through the Islamic ages, and to prove its Islamic origin in a comparative historical study", and connections in terms of designs, types and embroidery. Her work includes a discussion of features, identifying a number of similarities, but also pointing out that "Both coastal and Bedouin women of the Gulf were skilled in hand embroidery though their materials and designs differed considerably. Islamic patterns and designs are found throughout. Historians believe that the Prophet Mohammed and his wife Aisha owned embroidered clothing from Qatar" (p4). The most popular material was silk, with cotton and wool for cloaks, imported from India, Iran, Egypt and Syria. Favoured colours were violet, blue, crimson, and red. Embroidery remains very important, in styles inherited from the early Islamic period. Influences came from India due to close ties through the pearl trade. She then describes the thawb (outer), dresses, the sirwai (under), and the veil, with numerous illustrated examples. Seller Inventory # 4888
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