During the 1950’s, the Egyptian movie industry was obsessed with Hollywood style musicals. Egyptian filmmakers developed their own style of musicals with dramatic action taking pauses for traditional songs and dances. Directors created opportunities for musical by setting scenes in entertainment venues, outside during festivals, or at celebrations.
In this 1951 movie entitled Feiruz Hanem (Mr.s Feiruz), the Egyptian child star Feyrouz appears with belly dancer Taheyya Kariokka. In this scene, Feyrouz wears a beautiful assiut shawl draped over her head while she sings and plays the riq. Her traditional floral pattern dress is peeking out from under the shawl.
It makes my researcher’s heart skip a beat when I can locate a video clip that matches a movie promotional still like the one at left and below. If you are a fan of vintage Egyptian dance clips, I highly recommend checking out Vimeo and the feed of The Classic CaroVan. There are dozens of fantastic movie excerpts to watch and enjoy.
Over the past few years, I’ve made a Vimeo playlist of both classic and more contemporary dance performances featuring costumes made from assiut. It makes a great jumping off point for your own assiut costume research.
Feiruz Hanem
Taheya Karioka and Fairouz Arteen (1951) from TheClassicCaroVan on Vimeo.
Here’s another promotional still of Taheyya Kariokka
Are you interested in more information about this beautifully metal embroidered fabric? There’s a lot more history in my book, “The Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut.” You might also enjoy one of the other posts in the “Who’s that Girl in Assiut” series. Including vintage film stars Vilma Banky and Lyda Borelli.
Good luck with all of your costuming adventures!
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
November 9, 2018
