Aqal (Head Cord)
An aqal (head cord) is part of a man’s traditional ensemble that kept a head covering in place and was often worn together with an abaya (cloak). This ornate example features large bulbs made of blue silk and metal-wrapped thread and was, therefore, also an important symbol of social status and authority. Provenance records, which document an object’s history and past ownership, indicate that this aqal may have originally belonged to Faisal I, King of the Arab Kingdom of Syria in 1920 and King of Iraq from 1921–1933. Official portraits often picture King Faisal wearing an abaya and an aqal.
Artwork Details
- Title: Aqal (Head Cord)
- Date: early 20th century
- Geography: Attributed to Syria, Aleppo or Damascus
- Medium: Silk, metal wrapped thread, and beads
- Dimensions: L. 50 in. (127 cm)
- Classification: Accessory-Headwear-Menswear
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1944
- Object Number: 44.86.4
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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probably early 20th century
early 20th century
1920s
probably early 20th century
probably early 20th century
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