A Women’s Golden Headdress from Yemen, late 19th-early 20th century

A Women’s Golden Headdress from Yemen, late 19th-early 20th century

This magnificent, brocaded headdress known as a gargush, hung with gilt coins and embellished with intricate filigree plaques, was the highlight of an elaborate bridal costume and formed part of a woman’s dowry. The decoration along the front edge features a snake-shaped silver chain, braided silver threads, and above the forehead, pendants representing grains. Six elaborate filigree baskets hang from the sides, and the entire headdress highlights the exceptional artistic workmanship of Yemenite Jewish silversmiths.

Physical Description

Silk cotton and metal thread, brocaded weave, with metal cord and chains, silver and gold filigree basket pendants, coins, and silver-gilt filigree plaques, with floral embroidered and painted cotton lining. Height of hood: 21 1/2 in.; 545 mm. 

Literature

Ester Muchawsky-Schnapper, The Yemenites: Two Thousand Years of Jewish Culture (Jerusalem: The Israel Museum, 2000), 88-89.

Esther Juhasz, The Jewish Wardrobe: From the Collection of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem (Milan: 5 Continents Editions; Jerusalem: The Israel Museum, 2012), 108-109.