Live always at the edge of poetic possibilty, even in the face of severe prose. - Walter Bruggemann


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

ABC Wednesday - M

M is for MannequinsNobody but NOBODY does mannequins like the Palestinians. Really. I couldn't stop taking pictures of them. The babe above is wearing the black and white Palestinian kaffiyah as a shawl rather than as a headdress that men typically wear. She was a lone mannequin just hangin' in Hebron in the West Bank.
This group of handsome men were free standing (sort of) in the souk, the marketplace also in Hebron. Nice display but these mannequins were armless and their faces had seen much happier and better days. Notice the noose-like ropes around their necks helping them to stand up.
Ooo, lah, lah! This extensive display of undergarments was in one of the largest squares in the West Bank city of Nablus. Why so suggestive?? Islamic women who practise hijab, or veiling herself as part of religious practise of the Islamic dress code will wear a long robe like garment called an abayah or jilbab and a head scarf. Modesty, modesty, modesty. But underneath baby, anything goes.
These lovely women were in the souk of the Muslim Quarter in East Jerusalem. I thought I heard them break into One from A Chorus Line as I walked past them. There were one singular sensation!


While I didn't see any mannequins that were displaying a complete black veil headdress that allows only a woman's eyes to be seen, I did see a few women dressed in that way. Most women wore long sleeve floor length coats with headscarves. Although, the many young 'cosmopolitan' women wore headscarves tucked into tight sweaters, jeans and spike heals.
These heads were smiling at me in the souk in the Muslim Quarter as well.
I hope you enjoyed M this week...for more great ABC Wednesday posts click right here.

19 comments:

Rune Eide said...

That was a new one for me. Much important information. Well narrated and illustrated.

Petrus said...

M for Most interesting ....

A good set of photographs .

Tom said...

What a great 'M' word this is.. my partner Jane works with these in a Wedding Shop... but not like these... like me Jane liked your manaquins.

Tom
Mine's Here

Richard Lawry said...

Mannequins, what a great idea for the "M" word. I'm sure that I have never seen that many lined up. Very interesting photos.

Ray said...

So many mannequins, amazing.

Ray

Leslie: said...

Great shots! You made me laugh about the mannequins breaking into "One." Imagine all that glamour underneath that bleak exterior!

Oh, yes! I don't know how I missed your L post but lovely lavendar. :D

Kim from Hiraeth said...

What an interesting idea for the letter M! Very colorful, too!

Michele said...

Ah... mannequins... interesting take on this... very unique!
Neat post.
~Michele~
Mountain Retreat-Canada

Unknown said...

Really neat shots!

ellen b. said...

Very interesting. So are the times a changing...

Bear Naked said...

What a MAGNIFICENT display of MANNEQUINS for the letter M on ABC Wednesday.
Very unique idea.

Bear((( )))

ArneA said...

My first black and white Palestinian kaffiyah I got in late 70s. At that time it was political icon. Today it is fashion.

Reader Wil said...

I enjoyed walking past your mannequins very much. We people from western countries have no idea what's going on in the heads and minds of those shopkeepers who try to sell clothes to women.

chuck said...

Mighty Marvelous Mannequins,Mate!
Marcia

nina at Nature Remains. said...

OMGoodness!
Is someone watching me?

Jane Hards Photography said...

vaing studeied this images I agree with you. For mannequins they are so elegant, especailly the ladeis in the headscarves. Very original choice.

D Herrod said...

Very interesting. What a unique post.

Neva said...

I love your post today.....very nice M....

RICHARD W. WARNER said...

Guess you hit the jackpot with this one. I like people who can't talk back to you.
Me