Jebel Heish (Jawlan/Golan): Bonnet Makers (mèaraka)

Date: early-nineteenth century

The mèaraka are bonnets worn by Bedouin men. Usually, they are knitted using camel hair, although goat hair, which are esteemed to have a higher quality, or a blend of both, are sometimes used as well. Women are the main producers of the bonnet, and they use a simple loom (nutou) to make them. Also mentioned are: wool manufacturers, provision bags, camel bags, and tent-covers (rowáks).

Citation: De Clavijo, Ruy González, Embassy to Tamerlane, 1403-1406, trans., Guy Le Strange. (London: Routledge, 1928), pp. 287-88.