Metal Thread Braids from Oman

A cylindrical braid cushion stuffed with rice or lentils. The braid is made from six golden metallic threads (zari) and one strand of rainbow metallic strip thread (beginning of the 20th century, Oman. A cylindrical braid cushion stuffed with rice or lentils. The braid is made from six golden metallic threads (zari) and one strand of rainbow metallic strip thread (beginning of the 20th century, Oman. © Trustees of the British Museum, London, acc. no. 2011,6003.51.

Hand-woven, metal thread braids are traditionally produced by women in Oman. These braids are applied to both women and girls’ garments, especially their tunics and trousers. The various regions of Oman use different types of braids. The braids are hand woven on a cushion comparable to the lace cushions used for making Honiton bobbin lace.

The term zari (Persian for 'gold') is a general term used to describe these braids, often gold coloured, which are sometimes combined with beads. Occasionally this type of braid may also be called shak, using another Persian term for this form of work. Sim is another form of braid, but much simpler in appearance than zari, and made from a combination of coloured cotton and metallic threads. Both the zari and sim braids are used to embellish garments, especially around the neck openings, sleeve cuffs and ankle cuffs. Similar, locally made braids are still made and worn by women in the Bandar region of southern Iran.

British Museum online catalogue (retrieved 8th July 2016).

GVE

Last modified on Wednesday, 17 May 2017 11:52
Published in (Pre-) Modern Middle East and North Africa
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