Battoulah - Masked Women of Iran

Battoulah - Masked Women of Iran 

Battoulah ( Islamic female clothing ) is a metallic-looking mask traditionally worn by Muslim Arab, Persian, and Baluch women in Arab states of the Persian Gulf, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar, as well as in southern Iran. The origin of the battoulah is unknown, but it is thought to have entered the Eastern Arabian Peninsula from Gujarat in late 18th century. The tradition is less popular with the newer generations, but is still followed by women in their 70s and older, and by those living in rural areas