It is noticeable that the cotton thread is not hidden by sequins, giving the initial impression that the sequins have fallen off. The pattern may be enhanced with cowrie shells. The neck opening and sleeve cuffs are normally covered with silver and gold coloured bands that are sewn down onto the ground material. These dresses were also worn by the women after their marriage, for festive occasions.
Sources:
- MAURIÈRES, Arnaud, Philippe CHAMBON, and Éric OSSART (2003). Reines de Saba: Itinéraires Textiles au Yémen, Aix-en Provence: Édisud.
- RANSOM, Marjorie and Gillian VOGELSANG-EASTWOOD (2016). 'Embroidery from Yemen,' in: Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood (ed.), Encyclopedia of Embroidery from the Arab World, London: Bloomsbury Academic, pp. 520-559.
- STONE, Francine (1985). Studies on the Tihamah: The Report of the Tihamah Expedition 1982 and Related Papers, London: Longman.
TRC online catalogue (retrieved 24 April 2017).
GVE