Paper short abstract:

This presentation discusses changes in the diversity of women's traditional clothing in Wadi Fatima Oasis, Saudi Arabia, considering the results of field surveys conducted between 2015 and 2019 and using photographs taken by Dr. Katakura approximately 50 years ago.

Paper long abstract:

This presentation discusses changes in the diversity of women's traditional clothing in Wadi Fatima Oasis, Saudi Arabia, considering the results of field surveys conducted between 2015 and 2019 and using photographs taken by Dr. Katakura approximately 50 years ago.

The survey started by identifying individuals in photographs taken by Dr. Katakura. I interviewed the subjects' descendants to confirm the names of each type of clothing. I also asked how the clothing was worn, on what occasions, and by whom and when the clothing was made. Then, I borrowed some traditional clothing from people to measure it and to record details, such as cuts, stitches, and embroidery. As a result, I recognized differences in the names of similar costumes, even within the same tribe.

I will also discuss "the braided string" of silver thread, which is a characteristic decorative part of face coverings. In the third survey, I found the village where these braids were made. I met a woman who used to make the braids and thereby learned about the braiding industry.

From this research, it is clear that traditional ethnic clothing has almost disappeared from everyday life.