Zoroastrian Woman’s Tunic, Trousers, Cap and Shawl
Yazd, Iran
About 1840–70
Like other religious minorities in Iran, Zoroastrians were required to dress to identify their religion. They wore brightly coloured clothing and did not usually veil their faces. This created an obvious contrast with the outdoor clothing worn by Muslim women. A Zoroastrian woman would typically wear a tunic (qamis), together with loose trousers (shalvar) gathered at the ankle. These trousers were made from textile remnants because there were restrictions on Zoroastrians buying full widths of fabric. Women covered their heads with a small fitted cap (lachak), over which they would wrap several shawls around their head and shoulders.
Cotton plain weave with silk embroidery
Museum nos. IS.9, 9A, 9B, 9C-1954
Jameel Gallery [31/08/2012]