Behind the Veil in Arabia: Women in Oman

by Wikan, Unni

• ISBN13: 9780226896830
• ISBN10: 0226896838
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1991-05-01
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

Through photographs and detailed case histories, Unni Wikan explores the strict segregation of women, the wearing of the burqa mask, the elaborate nuptial rituals, and the graceful quality of Oman's social relations. "Wikan does provide insights into the real position of these secluded and segregated women. . . . All this is interesting and valuable."Ahdaf Soueif, Times Literary Supplement "The book is detailed, insightful, and . . . engrossing. Anyone interested in the day-to-day triumphs and sorrows of women who live 'behind the veil' will want to read this account."Arab Book World "Wikan, a fine ethnographer, has an eye for everything that is distinctive about the culture and . . . builds up a wholly convincing picture. Above all, there is a sustained attempt to penetrate the inner lives of these strangely serene people."Frank H. Stewart, Wilson Quarterly "This book will certainly be of interest to all scholars concerned with sexual identity in the Islamic world."Henry Munson, American Anthropologist

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations

Preface

Acknowledgments

A Note on Transliteration

Introduction: Finding Our Way

Sohar: The First Exotic Glimpse

The Town and Its People

Segregation of the Sexes: Concept and Practice

Socialization to the Practice of Segregation

The BurqaFacial Mask

Women's World

Honor and Self-realization

The Xanith: A Third Gender Role?

Diverse Interests in Marriage Establishment

The Bride Should Be a Virgin, the Groom Should Be a Man

The Visit of an Undutiful Daughter

Portrait of a Marriage

Role-realization in Marriage

Framework for the Analysis

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.