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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Saudi Arabia: Life in the Desert >> A 'Royal' Mall > Mannequin
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02-NOV-2013

Mannequin

None of the mannequins in the mall -- male or female -- had heads; some like this one had something clever but non-human in its place. I don't know much about Islam, but Ali is correct, as I understand it -- the avoidance of the human figure in art stems from the prohibition against idolatry in the Quran. From Wiki: "Typically, though not entirely, Islamic art has focused on the depiction of patterns and Arabic calligraphy, rather than on figures, because it is feared by many Muslims that the depiction of the human form is idolatry and thereby a sin against God, forbidden in the Qur'an."

Another shop window, this one very pricy:

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Marisa Livet03-Jun-2014 08:03
Quite surrealistic.
Pieter Bos31-Dec-2013 09:17
Another very interesting image, Helen! ~V
Bob Patton13-Nov-2013 06:43
Women wear clothes like this under their abayas, which they can remove at home where they can be more relaxed and individual. And in fact, very charming and friendly.
Barry S Moore11-Nov-2013 21:01
An interesting photographic statement of the society in this part of the world. The mannequin's sexuality is very visible but then its got a tulip head so its not female after all! Seems the rules about what can be done and not done are being tested all the time and are complex. Perhaps the best solution is complete segregation , male or female only shops (not just a floor) or male only shopping days and female only days. But how to they handle TV or internet advertising or even current overseas movies without massive censorship?
Gary A. Rich (GRainelev)11-Nov-2013 02:27
This image puzzles me. If the women have to wear all the cover up stuff, why do they have a store that sells these clothes? Their customs seems a little bit off!!! great image. V.
Jeff Real10-Nov-2013 23:27
That is a very interesting looking mannequin ~V~
Long Bach Nguyen10-Nov-2013 06:28
Very interesting from one culture to another
Mary Hamilton10-Nov-2013 03:19
Well, this is certainly an interesting display! Nice shot.
Gill Kopy10-Nov-2013 02:50
Jeans and a t-shirt !!!!
globalgadabout10-Nov-2013 02:38
your most powerful shot yet from this confused kingdom..such body-fit clothes yet devoid of identity...perversity is amok here it seems...VV
Ali Majdfar10-Nov-2013 00:49
Based on their believes, any kind if statue which address a live creature is a sign of idolatry.
Great capture! ~V
woody3410-Nov-2013 00:13
Kind of suggests curves not personality important.As this outfit couldn't be worn outside,Helen ,one has to wonder at the targeted market.Maybe there is much more licence in the dress code at home.The jewellery does look pricey and beautiful.Shame to hide it behind an abaya ....interesting...V
Lieve Snellings09-Nov-2013 23:40
this is shocking information... denying woman's existance...
your image is so strong showing this V
Stephanie09-Nov-2013 22:50
This is an adorable outfit; however, it makes absolutely no sense to cover it up with an abaya! I'm guessing the mannequins are missing heads so as not to give these abaya-less shapes a personality! V
Walter Otto Koenig09-Nov-2013 22:01
Seems these people have no common sense and too much money. A bad combination.
larose forest photos09-Nov-2013 21:55
It is rather jarring to see the very westernized, and very attractive (trendy!) clothes in the window, and yet they can't be worn outside (well, under an abayah), but I guess at home it is fine to shed the abayah. It does all seem a bit weird. However, the shops looks very upscale and I love these photos. I even rather like the tulip(?) head! Had to chuckle at Bill's comment! V
Isabel Cutler09-Nov-2013 21:52
I'm sorry - but this seems psychotic to me!
Will Hoskins09-Nov-2013 21:46
Well, that's, uh, different. I suppose without a head it can't be considered depicting a person. I actually kind of like it. V
Bill Miller09-Nov-2013 21:36
I like this. Think I will try this style for myself tomorrow when I drive into town...
joseantonio09-Nov-2013 21:27
Quite interesting. Had never read or heard of this.V.