A marriage is incomplete without the "box of gold"-- what's that?! I asked, like a little child listening to a story about magical treasure chests. In traditional Palestinian marriages many women get a box which contains a set of gold jewelry as a gift from her soon-to-be husband. This box often contains a full set- earrings, bracelet, necklace, gold coins etc. Someone once explained it to me as her "insurance." Indeed timeless objects to trade in in times of need.
Walking through Gaza's Old City, I was introduced to the "gold street"-- where lots of women were sitting in little nooks on the side inspecting different pieces of jewelry, finding the perfect ones to suit their needs. Ah, it was a row of sparkling and shimmering magic - all of which comes through tunnels from Egypt. Likely, very few can afford these lavish gifts below.
I'm so glad you discovered the "souk dahab," Alex. Few things make me happier than a cup of Arabic tea and a stroll among the gold stalls. Corri has a smattering of trinkets I've brought home over the years, and there's just nothing like that high-karat yellow gold.
ReplyDeleteAjaaaaaa, I think I had seen some of Corri's collection, maybe a few pairs of earrings and a bracelet? Perhaps! I should acquire-- but I'm in the constant wonder on how MUCH I'm getting ...a higher price, from being a nice foreign girl with poor pronunciation.
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