Bridal veil, Central Asia, Tajikistan
18th or 19th century
This embroidery, which comes from a remote region in mountainous Tajikistan, was originally used as a veil worn by a bride on her wedding day. The custom, as in many Asian societies, called for the bride to remain concealed during the wedding celebrations. After the wedding, the veil was put away in an heirloom chest, which probably accounts for its excellent state of preservation. Such objects have only appeared on the market since 1989, following the collapse of the Communist Russian hegemony in the region. Prior to that time, the only known examples were in Russian museum collections given by individuals on expeditions that traveled to the region.
Bridal veil
Central Asia, Tajikistan
18th or 19th century
Cotton and silk; embroidery
Bruce and Olive Baganz
Photo by Don Tuttle Photography
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