Framed Antique Middle Eastern Coin and Cloth Burqa Bedouin Face Veil. Predominantly orange cloth with chains, multi-colored beads, cowrie shell floral decorations, and a variety of coins. Held in place on a red velvet background, so long in several places that it hangs down below the frame edge. 

Overall Size: 22 x 18 in. 

Sight Size: 18 x 12 in. 

A burqa (or borqa) is a Bedouin coin face veil, a traditional facial covering adorned with silver/gold coins, beads, and amulets, serving as both a status symbol (dowry) and spiritual protection against the evil eye, particularly for married women in regions like Sinai, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia, featuring different styles and colors but often leaving the eyes visible. Unmarried women leave their faces uncovered, and the number of coins, the type of fabric, and amount of coverage is meant to indicate the wealth of the husband. Older surviving pieces are considered rich cultural artifacts, serving both ritualistic and practical purposes by protecting women’s faces from the harsh desert sun and wind. 

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