Vintage Siwa Oasis Dress Hand Embroidered White Kaftan Jewelled Cowrie Shell Egyptian Bedouin, Maxi Kaftan

An unusually ornamented Siwa Oasis dress: white, hand embroidered in orange, black and cream, and set throughout with faceted amethyst-coloured jewels, decorative rosettes, coin discs, cowrie shells and buttons. The yoke and chest panel are almost solidly worked, and the applied ornament catches light from across a room. Hand stitched by a Siwan woman in the Western Desert of Egypt. Cowries and applied ornaments are protective devices as much as decoration in Siwan dress, and a piece carrying this much of both was made for an occasion rather than for daily wear. Black side panels, wide straight sleeves, loose cut. The front is richly embellished with colourful plastic decorations alongside the embroidery; these add substantial weight, making this a very heavy dress. Details Measurements laid flat: Length (shoulder to hem): 132 cm (52 in) Width armpit to armpit (across): 92 cm (36 in) — chest circumference approx. 184 cm (72 in) Size: One size, a very loose traditional cut. Please compare with a garment you own. Origin: Siwa Oasis, Egypt — hand stitched, one of a kind Condition Very good vintage condition. Jewels, shells and buttons present and secure; the dress is sound with light age toning. Please review all photographs of the actual piece.