Objects

The photograph was taken during the wedding ceremony of the Hasidic Satmar family in Antwerp. The woman visible in the centre of the photograph is wearing a white dress and has a headdress with a floral pattern, clearly indicating that she is married. In the Orthodox, Hasidic community, women are obliged to cover their hair in public after marriage, but the way they do so depends on the dynasty. In some families, Hasidic women cut their hair short or shave it off immediately after marriage and put a wig on their head, which they cover up additionally; in others, they wear head coverings over their own hair. Dark, often black, headgear resembling caps or helmets in form is characteristic for them. Patterned, more opulent headwear is the headwear of choice for women on festive occasions or important celebrations.

MBK, AW