Egypt painted and described (1902) (14783124443)

Identifier: egyptpainteddesc00kell (find matches)

Title: Egypt painted and described

Year: 1902 (1900s)

Authors: Kelly, Robert Talbot, 1861-1934

Subjects: Egypt -- Description and travel

Publisher: London, A. & C. Black

Contributing Library: New York University, Institute of Fine Arts Library

Digitizing Sponsor: Sloan Foundation

Text Appearing Before Image:

girl does not invariably regard marriageas the most-to-be-desired aim in life. Some years ago,an old servant asked for leave of absence so that hemight return to his village in order to marry hisdaughter to a neighbouring farmer. All the settlementswere satisfactory, and old Ali was well satisfied with hisdaughters prospects in life. Two days later he surprisedme by returning to his duties, saying that his daughterwas ill and the marriage postponed. It transpiredafterwards that the girl, dreading the slavery of amarried life, had poisoned herself rather than endurewhat she regarded as an unhappy fate ! It must not be supposed that these marriages are notoften happy ones : no doubt they are. But whatevertheir result may be, there is no question as to theirpicturesqueness, and particularly in country places, wheresimplicity only serves to add to their interest. Theattendant festivities last from three to ten days, accord- 234 A WEDDING PROCESSION AT MENZALA I THEHOME-COMING OF THE BRIDE

Text Appearing After Image:

Condition of the People ing to the means of the parents of the contractingparties ; but to the curious observer the culminatingpoint is reached when, on the last evening of theirfestal days, the party forms into a procession called the*ZefFet-el-Arusa and escorts the bride to her newhome. The bride is mounted on a camel, but is entirelyhidden from view by the mahmal, or canopy, formedby a large shawl spread over a booth of palm-branches,which is attached to the saddle. Before her, leadingthe procession, are the village musicians, and followingher are her women friends and kinsfolk, seated on thecamels which carry her lares and penates and the giftsusual on such occasions. The male relatives escortthe party, which is also accompanied by all the haltand the blind of the village, who always participatein the feasting and amusement provided by the bride-groom. As regards education, the men generally are not ina much better position than the women. Few canread or write ; and so much is thi

egypt painted and described 1902 book illustrations blind description and travel egypt high resolution images from internet archive

1902

American Printing House for the Blind

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