Jo Tatchell in A Diamond in the Desert frequently discusses Emirati identity. Toward the end of the book she writes about Emirati men’s attire, including the kerkusha, that “stringy piece of fabric that hangs like a tie from his neck and is peculiar to the Emirates.” (p277)Who knows about the origins of this tassel (sometimes called a tarbush) that has been likened to a tie, particularly the Texan style bolo (also called bola or bootlace) tie? It appears to have little purpose other than serving as a fashion statement and a linen toy that Emirati men can play with?
Omani men have a similar frill called a furakha and in this statement the writer says it can be impregnated with perfume to give to the wearer and those he meets a pleasant fragrance.
Further
Here are two useful articles by Mariana and Grapeshisha on the garments and fashion features of Emirati men and women.
Geoff Pound
This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.
Image: “The kerkusha, that “stringy piece of fabric that hangs like a tie from his neck and is peculiar to the Emirates.”
5 comments:
It's called a Tarbusha, or Tarbush, NO ONE in the UAE calls it a kerkusha. I doubt it's called that anywhere.
"NO ONE in the UAE calls it a kerkusha. I doubt it's called that anywhere."
Google the word 'kerkusha'.
It does appear to have several names...Tarbusha...Tarbush...kerkusha...
Thanks for the comment.
Where can I buy a Kerkusha? I put mine in the washing machine and ended up destructing it. :(
PS: I'm from Brazil, so I guess i'd have to buy it on the internet.
Try buying it from an Emirati clothes shop online! Best wishes.
They're fairly simple knots really. You take 50 strings of fine thread (25 doubled) and have someone copy the design of a photo. People into mountain climbing, or into sailor knots, or into macramé should be able to help you. The standard design is a really easy lanyard type of knot. Alternative designs are usually easy to copy too for someone with a knot-tying hobby.
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