The Symbolic Attributes of Shemagh and Its Intangible Cultural Aspects in Muslim Society: A Painting Illustration

Abstract

The Shemagh is the Scarf which is worn by Arabic as well as other Muslim people who belong to other countries in terms of identity. It has multiple symbolic features which denote the religious as well as socio-political representation. In broader spectrum, it illustrates the attributes of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Muslim world. To highlight the Intangible Cultural Heritage, we represent the Shemagh in our painting with its applications and usages in the Muslim society to explore differences in symbolic language between the Eastern and Western cultures. Representation of Shemagh in the paintings juxtaposes the different features of the Muslim society acquaints with Intangible Cultural Heritage. The imprecise way of symbolic language has been chosen in the form of the Shemagh patterns, creating a new artistic perspective based on the generation of work in a different geographic locations and imaginative thoughts as well. The Subjugation of different mediums and techniques of paintings are used to portray the subject matter, color palette, and symbolism of the painting. Through paintings, this paper examines the hidden meanings of transformation in our lives and modern blend by evaluating Muslim society with the amalgamation of Intangible culture aspects by exaggerating the print and colors of scarf or Shemagh or Keffiyeh. In concluding statement, we analyze the attributes of Shemagh from past to present for emphasizing the Intangible Cultural aspects.