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, 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

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

[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.

[1]

[2]

[3]