burqua (Veil)

Worn by a young woman in purdah, over her face, with the tassels tied behind and hanging down her back.

Made by young woman herself, with handmade lace and embroidery band.

Rectangle of cream-coloured lace with a red embroidered band attached at one end. Band has curvilinear and floral design, with three tasseled cords at each end. Four of the cords have three tassels each, joined by complicated braid; the other two cords are narrow with one small tassel each. Tassels are large and multicoloured.