Sulaym tribe Sulaym thobe showing the embroidery on the yoke, the shoulders and the appliqué on the hem. The rectangular black headdress is decorated with red fabric and nacre buttons arranged in geometric patterns. The Sulaym are related to the Harb, and led a semi-settled life near the Red Sea coast as fishermen, traders and herders. They share the cut of their garments with the Harb. But Sulaym patchwork, quilting and intricate styles of embroidery are distinctive. Nor do they favour blue fabric. Lawrence of Arabia fought in the Arab Revolt in the Hijaz, Jordan and Syria in 1916–18. His[...]

Sulaym tribe Sulaym thobe with finely embroidered yoke. The sleeves have patchwork along the shoulders and around the edges. The circular iqal (head-band ) is made of woven leather interspersed with silver beads and bound around a malleable core. The Sulaym are related to the Harb, and led a semi-settled life near the Red Sea coast as fishermen, traders and herders. They share the cut of their garments with the Harb. But Sulaym patchwork, quilting and intricate styles of embroidery are distinctive. Nor do they favour blue fabric. Lawrence of Arabia fought in the Arab Revolt in the Hijaz, Jordan[...]

Sulaym tribe Sulaym thobe in black with very elaborate handiwork along the hem and sleeves. The decoration comprises rows of multi coloured appliqué, embroidery and metal beading. The Sulaym are related to the Harb, and led a semi-settled life near the Red Sea coast as fishermen, traders and herders. They share the cut of their garments with the Harb. But Sulaym patchwork, quilting and intricate styles of embroidery are distinctive. Nor do they favour blue fabric. Lawrence of Arabia fought in the Arab Revolt in the Hijaz, Jordan and Syria in 1916–18. His abaya, probably woven in Syria, is preserved[...]