Iznaq

The iznaq is a chin chain traditionally worn by Palestinian women, suspended from a headdress called the shatweh. ^[1] It is crafted from hand-made silver chains and hooks, and festooned with Ottoman-era coins. ^[2] It can include floral or star-shaped ornaments and a cross for Christians.

Use

It was common for villagers to adorn themselves with modest iznaqs featuring either single or double chains; however, in Bethlehem and the surrounding villages, the iznaq included several chains and other intricate embellishments. ^[3]

A woman from Bethlehem, 1870

A woman from Bayt Nabala, 1933

References

1. Bol, Marsha C. (2018-06-05). The Art & Tradition of Beadwork. Gibbs Smith. ISBN   978-1-4236-3180-4.
2. Vogelsang-Eastwood, Gillian (2016-04-07). Encyclopedia of Embroidery from the Arab World. Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN   978-0-85785-397-4.
3. Weir, Shelagh (1989). Palestinian Costume. Trustees of the British Museum. ISBN   978-0-7141-1597-9.