National Dress - Women

Omani women have very colourful costumes which vary from region to region. The main components of a woman's outfit comprise of a dress which is worn over trousers (sirwal) and the headdress, called the lihaf.There are numerous traditional styles of Omani costume seen in Muscat. However, there are three main types which show vibrant colours, embroidery and decorations. One style of costume is rather flowing and resembles that worn by the women of the Interior, while another is decorated with distinctive silver bands. The embroidery on these dresses can take around two months to complete.In the Dhofar region, the dress (or thob) is known as the Abu Dhail, which means 'one with a tail'. This dress is shorter at the front than at the rear and is made from luxurious velvet or cotton, shot with gold and silver embroidery, beads and sequins. It has a square neckline and is generally worn with a lightweight, cotton or silk sh'ela (head dress) which may also be sewn with pearls, sequins and sometimes small gold coins for special celebrations. Elaborate jewellery is often worn with this dress, around the head, neck, wrists, ankles, fingers and toes. The Dhofari women rarely wear a birka (mask), but the older ladies, originating from the Nejd (the desert area) and the mountains may do so. The birka is often dyed gold or indigo. Some women pierce their noses on both sides and can be seen wearing a carnelian stone, which is a dull red, and a gold flower stud. Indigo is often used as a skin preparation which is rubbed into the face and then washed off using the leaves of the becium dhofarense imparting a bluish tinge which is enhanced by the dresses and robes.The women of the Interior of Oman wear a simple, yet colourful dress which comes to just below the knee and is embroidered with bands of silk or gold and silver thread. The sirwal are fairly loose and have broad bands of silk sewn around the hems. The lihaf reaches down the back and is generally made of chiffon.The costumes of A'Sharqiya region in the east are heavily influenced by their surroundings. This costume is known as the qubba'a and is made from silk or nylon, often in black, red, purple or blue. The front, back, bodice and sleeves are embroidered with gold and silver silk in geometric and floral patterns. The dress is sometimes covered by a lightweight black overdress. Heavy gold jewellery is worn on the head, neck, arms, and feet, with a ring on every finger, each one having a separate name.Women from the Batinah, Musandam and the Dhahira tend to wear a full-length kandoura which is embroidered in different designs and patterns. The sleeves are embellished with silver, gold, silk and ziri threads. The embroidery on these garments is not as elaborate as in the other regions, and so the gowns do not take as long to make. A veil which partly covers the face is often worn with gold and silver jewellery. In some parts of the Batinah, the costume resembles that of the Eastern region (the qubba'a).The jewellery worn by Omani women is fashioned mainly from gold, although the traditional metal was silver. Work is very intricate and elaborate patterns and symbols, even Quranic calligraphy, is engraved into the metal.Traditional footwear was a type of platform shoe made from wood called the qurhaf. However, most women now wear sandals or Western-style fashion shoes.Omani women have used natural cosmetics and beauty preparations for centuries and despite the supply of brand name cosmetics sold in department stores and supermarkets, the traditional products are still available at souqs all over the Sultanate.Kohl, a dark powder used as an eyeliner made mainly from frankincense or the roots of the arvea jevanica, is still used to enhance the eyes and is applied with a small stick made from silver (marwat) or wood. As a 'moisturiser' women grind the seeds of the prunus mahled together with the yellow pigment of the carthamus tincturius flower. Indigo is also used as a 'skin wash'. The indigo is pounded into a powder and rubbed into the skin, to then be rinsed off with the crushed leaves of the becium dhofarense. This beauty treatment leaves the skin smooth and faintly tinged with blue which enhances the natural skin tone and is complemented by the colours contained within the vibrant dresses and scarves. Indigo is also applied to the face in decorative patterns for festivals and celebrations, such as weddings.Hair is conditioned with oil extracted from the shoo seeds which is said to make the hair shine and delay the signs of greying. A popular shampoo is made from sidr and ipomoea nil leaves.Many women in Oman paint their hands and feet with henna, particularly before special occasions such as Eid holidays or weddings. Henna comes from the plant of the same name and is extracted by pounding the leaves into a powder which is then mixed with water to form a thick paste. The paste is applied in patterns on the hands and feet, which, when dried, leaves a temporary orange/brown design which fades after around three weeks.Omani costumes are so varied, colourful and eye-catching, that the Post Office of Oman has produced postage stamps depicting men's and women's outfits from the different regions.