Think of Iran and most would not fail to conjure up images of women in black chador shouting anti-western slogans such as “Death to America” or “Down with Israel”. The women in black are often viewed as symbols of religious austerity. The women living in the Persian Gulf region are however, a striking contrast from those living in most other provinces in Iran. The Bandari women are clad in one of the most vibrant and interesting of all traditional costumes in Iran. Infused with African, Indian and Arabic influences, many Bandari women wear a “Shamat” which is made of a finely patterned fabric that comes in pale pastel colours of pink, blue, orange and beige. It is draped “Indian style” around the body and head.
