06 January 2010

Niqab and Tradition


Here is an interesting traditional niqab from Hormozgan, Iran. You can find more pictures here:

Photos: Village women making niqab in Hormozgan, Iran

In many traditional styles, the niqab is usually more ornate and colorful as opposed to the simple black that is more common in our modern society.

Are these traditonal niqab styles a result of ancient tradition and maintained out of necessity (due to sand blowing and the intensity of the sun)? The bright colors and ornate designs lack the degree of modesty that the niqabs in modern society tend to embrace.

What distiguished between tradition, necessity, and modesty in the design of Niqabs?