Egyptian Head Scarf: "Ghutra and 'Iqal"
Collection: Everyday Connections
Object Category: Traditional Clothing and Adornment
Object Type: Headwear, Head Scarves
Country: Egypt
Continent: Africa
Geographic Region: Northern Africa
Materials: Cotton, String/Cord
width: 30 in;
height: 30 in;
depth: .12 in
The "ghutra" is a style of headwear which is made up of a square of fabric folded into a triangle and worn with one point on each shoulder and one down the back. The square of fabric is known as a ghutra. The circlet is called an iqal. It is held in place with a circlet originally made of camel hair. A skull cap is often worn under the ghutra.
This form of headwear is commonly found in arid regions to provide protection from direct sun exposure, as well to protect the mouth and eyes from blown dust and sand.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keffiyeh http://www.raqs.co.nz/me/clothing_headwear_male.html