The Saudi man's headdress can be worn in many different styles - up, down, flipped back, draped over the head, wrapped around turban style, one sided, two sided - well, you get the picture. The red and white patterned cotton scarf is most typically Saudi and is called "Shemagh" or "Keffiyah." It is a large square shaped scarf with a border around the edges. Design patterns can vary but they usually appear to be checkered looking - although they are not really a checkered pattern - and are more like a zigzag or chevron design.
Scarves have been worn for generations by men in the Middle East for protection from the scorching sun's rays, as well as to protect the eyes and mouth from blowing dust and sand. A small white cap (called taqiyah) is worn underneath the scarf to anchor it and keep it from slipping, and the black halo (called egal) also secures the scarf in place on the head. Plain white scarves are also worn by Saudi men and they are called "Ghotra" or "Guthra." To me, the plain white ghotra appears more elegant or formal than the red and white scarves. Below are just a few of the ways the man's scarves can br worn.
Linking to: OUR WORLD TUESDAY and My Corner of the World
5 comments:
...I didn't know that there were different styles.
I would look entirely out of place wearing one of those.
Maybe not, William! I think men look very handsome in the traditional dress. I do see Western men occasional dressed up in the whole getup here and they look amazing!
Interesting. I’ve seen the white ones too.
I have to admit that I haven't seen a lot of Saudi men (except on TV) and hadn't noticed the different ways they wear the scarf. Thanks for this bit of traditional information on them. I will be sure to notice more next time!
How great to see you at 'My Corner of the World' this week!! Thanks for linking.
Post a Comment