Since last posting about what had been catching my eye and preoccupying my mind . . . I find myself fascinated by Moroccan women and doors — and door hardware.
First the women . . . I am transfixed and thus far still in an observing mode. I am fascinated by the women here. Perhaps in part because this is an adventure of women. Independent. Accomplished. Searching. Willing to be stretched past our comfort zones.
I am transfixed by the women who wear the full traditional garb, including head scarves and at times face coverings with sheer fine black netting that covers their eyes as well. I am curious about the women my age or younger who wear western clothes with head scarves. And, I am puzzled by the young women who wear body hugging leggings and revealing (sometimes sleeveless) tops with head scarves. I am also fascinated by the friendship and acceptance of women who walk in these distinct worlds . . . for beyond dressing don't traditional and contemporary values also play out?
I am curious about moms who wear traditional clothes, but whose young daughters wear tight jeans, form-fitting blouses and no head scarf . . . at some point in time will they be made to adhere to the "old ways?" If so, by whom . . . their mothers, their fathers, both? We've heard that "modern men" who marry "modern women" may make them wear the traditional formless "uniforms" afterwards to publicly show they are "taken."
I wonder too, if many of the older women walking arm and arm are friends or sister-wives as Muslim men can have as many as four wives.
I've asked several women we've met thus far whether the King's wife is a proponent for women's rights. So far, no one has answered that question directly. Instead, I've been told how much positive change for women is occurring under the current King's rule.
First the women . . . I am transfixed and thus far still in an observing mode. I am fascinated by the women here. Perhaps in part because this is an adventure of women. Independent. Accomplished. Searching. Willing to be stretched past our comfort zones.
I am transfixed by the women who wear the full traditional garb, including head scarves and at times face coverings with sheer fine black netting that covers their eyes as well. I am curious about the women my age or younger who wear western clothes with head scarves. And, I am puzzled by the young women who wear body hugging leggings and revealing (sometimes sleeveless) tops with head scarves. I am also fascinated by the friendship and acceptance of women who walk in these distinct worlds . . . for beyond dressing don't traditional and contemporary values also play out?
I am curious about moms who wear traditional clothes, but whose young daughters wear tight jeans, form-fitting blouses and no head scarf . . . at some point in time will they be made to adhere to the "old ways?" If so, by whom . . . their mothers, their fathers, both? We've heard that "modern men" who marry "modern women" may make them wear the traditional formless "uniforms" afterwards to publicly show they are "taken."
I wonder too, if many of the older women walking arm and arm are friends or sister-wives as Muslim men can have as many as four wives.
I've asked several women we've met thus far whether the King's wife is a proponent for women's rights. So far, no one has answered that question directly. Instead, I've been told how much positive change for women is occurring under the current King's rule.
Doors are decorative . . . whether unpainted or poly-chromed; wood or metal; simple or highly decorated in mathematical-inspired designs that hold symbolic meaning. The door hardware is equally fascinating — some is made from heavy metal such as iron and brass while others are primitively hewn from wood. At times, fabric is used in place of a door.
It takes all of my resistance to not buy and bring home doors! Though to be honest, I am collecting business cards just in case once I arrive home I am in a state of deep regret . . . of course, that would also be a great reason to return one day!
It takes all of my resistance to not buy and bring home doors! Though to be honest, I am collecting business cards just in case once I arrive home I am in a state of deep regret . . . of course, that would also be a great reason to return one day!