Behind the Veil in Arabia: Women in Oman

by Unni Wikan

Book Overview

Through photographs and detailed case histories, Unni Wikan explores the strict segregation of women, the wearing of the burqa mask, the elaborate nuptial rituals, and the graceful quality of Oman's social relations.

"Wikan does provide insights into the real position of these secluded and segregated women. . . . All this is interesting and valuable."--Ahdaf Soueif, Times Literary Supplement

"The book is detailed, insightful,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226896838
• ISBN13: 9780226896830
• Release Date: May 1991
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great book

I very seldom feel compelled to add my voice to the din, but in light of the other reviews this book has received, I wanted to give my perspective. This is one of the most brilliant books I have ever read. This could have been very dry, like an academic thesis, but the author manages to write eloquently and makes these women come to life. It is not a portrait of all the women in Arabia, nor even in Oman. It is a glimpse into the life of few women in a single neighborhood in Sohar. And what a life it is. I couldn't imagine living like these women, but the author makes them real to me, and I can see both the good and bad of their experience. It is an absolutely fascinating portrait, and I am glad that I stumbled upon it at the library. Highly recommended, if you enjoy a glimpse into how "other people" think and behave.

Interesting study of early development in Oman

This book reports on two short field studies done by a female Norwegian anthropologist in Sohar, Oman in the mid-1970s. The book mostly focuses on the relationship of women to their families and marriage roles. Her descriptions of women's lives in this community in Oman just after the country opened up to foreigners are extremely interesting, as the society has no doubt changed dramatically along with the economic transformations. The community that she describes is unique in their emphasis on nonverbal means of communication. Indeed, one of the author's main points is that people researching cultures must be alert to all forms of communication, not simply verbal forms. The author is careful throughout to stress that her observations are those of an outsider trying to comprehend what she observes. Naturally, it would also be very interesting to get an insider's viewpoint for comparison, but for a number of reasons, this was not possible at the time, and now the society she describes probably no longer exists in the same form. I would recommend this book to anyone studying history of society or development in Oman or the Gulf countries. It would also be interesting for those studying gender roles in the Muslim or Arab worlds.

very readable

Gives good look behind ... Oman seems society without conflict, or at least now one shows it...Is this reality or utopia?