Authentic, Antique and Rare Egyptian Bedouin Kaftan (Caftan or Jalabiya). 100% Handmade.
This caftan was hard to find. These type of Bedouin creations are becoming extinct.

Measurements; click here to view an image  that will help you understand the measurements below (the kaftan in this image is not the kaftan you will receive):

- Length: 1.27 cm
- Chest Circumference or the all around circumference of the caftan at the chest area: 1.32 cm
- The all around circumference at the middle bottom part of the caftan, where the caftan shape starts
   opening up: 1.46 cm
- The all around circumference at the extreme bottom of the kaftan: 1.70 cm
- Sleeve Length: 41 cm
- Sleeve Circumference: 40 cm

Complex and colourful handmade tribal motifs are worked all around the caftan. The more the detailed handwork, and coloured threads used, the more value the caftan was given by Bedouin tribes. Please make sure you view the pictures above and also click on the following links to get a good idea of what this caftan looks like. In reality the rich embroidery may appear slighlty darker than how it appears in pictures: picture 1   picture 2   picture 3   picture 4   picture 5   picture 6   picture 7

Absolutely nobody else can have the same kaftan.

This particular caftan has been kept in its original condition and is wearable.
Any apparent marks are normal, have not been removed and are signs of authencticity.
The caftan is strong but it still needs to be cherished. Please always treat the caftan with care. Wash by hand in cold water.

A long time ago a Bedouin family in Egypt made this caftan purely by hand. The handwork is very detailed and it took a very long time to complete. Female Bedouin family members passed on this particular caftan from generation to generation; it was also used as leverage. Egyptian Bedouins are well known for their handwork and it is on these kaftans, passed on from family to family, that they expressed themselves with no restraints. It is like the caftan is at first a plain black canvas that they turn alive using their hands and colourful cotton threads while sitting on the sand. The result is a unique piece of art handmade following traditional methods.

Bedouin women wore the caftan for every day use or special occasions such as weddings. The main black material is cotton based, very strong and long lasting. The caftan will still be strong and colourful even when you pass it on to the next lucky woman. Still today this genuine caftan is of great value to Bedouin families. Rarely do we find Bedouin families that wish to sell their handmade caftans for money.

In Egypt these Bedouin caftans started making their way into common non-Bedouin family homes because city people started realizing the tangible and intangible value of these fabulous Bedouin creations. Some (city people) wear them at home or to special events. A few people can afford them.

Other buyers give such an intense importance to the value and tribal history of the Bedouin caftan that they cherish the caftans at home as home decoration (e.g. frame the caftan and hang it on a wall). If you decide to frame the caftan and hang it on your reception/living room wall rest assure that all your guests will eventually look at the caftan mesmerized.

It is perfect to wear to an Oriental theme party, as a wedding dress or to welcome your guests in style.
This kaftan is also ideal pregnancy wear.

TIP for artisans or those who like to create their own clothing or accessories 
– Buy, Cut and use pieces!
Many buy these kaftans, cut it up as they wish and create new kaftans, accessories or home decorations with the various pieces. Each piece you create will be unique and embody a piece of Egyptian Bedouin history.

+ 1 Handmade BEDOUIN SEA SHELL NECKLACE:
Make sure you click the following links to view the necklace: picture 1

The Kaftan comes with a handmade Bedouin Necklace made with beautiful Sea Shells from Sinai. Bedouins spend most of their life in the desert, under the sun, but love the sea. They rarely travel to the sea and when they do they collect these particular sea shells, grab a bunch of strong cotton threads (i.e. left over, recycled threads) and work the thread into the shells.

They get nostalgic and miss the sea. The beautiful sea shells remind them of the sea and the last time they traveled to the sea. Bedouins do not often create these sea shell necklaces because they rarely travel to the sea.

To cherish their love for the sea they wear these necklaces. The necklaces are given their value and are considered leverage as well. During Bedouin weddings it is common to give such a necklace as a gift.    

+ 1 Handmade BEDOUIN BELT:
Embroidered Bedouin Belt; motifs may vary. If  the belt is too small in length, you can add some extensions to its ends. It may also be used as bandana. You could even create other accessories (e.g. bracelets or chokers) by cutting the belt into various pieces. The belt looks great with a simple pair of jeans or a boho skirt as well. Click the following links to view the belt:  picture 1   picture 2  


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PRICE INCLUDES WORLD WIDE DELIVERY

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