By Bilal Saad
AMMAN, July 17 (KUNA) -- People's commitment to their heritage is reflected through their lifestyle, ideologies, or simply through their fashion lines.
Glimpses of the legacy handed down from ancestors to successors is so powerful, and in cultures such as that of Jordan, the "cloak heritage" - though ancient - is nevertheless divine.
The black loose garment, distinguished by its red embroidery, is still a must-have-piece in Jordanian women's wardrobes, and tourists are keen on purchasing it as a souvenir by which to remember the Jordanian culture.
Jordanian cloaks nowadays come in two forms; one is the old-fashioned cloak and the other has some modern touches added into it, according to head of the women's training and rehabilitation association, Munifa Atallah.
The association produces traditional and modern Jordanian cloaks, which represent the Jordanian "identity," she told KUNA.
Women of all classes, as well as tourists and wives of diplomats wear them, she added.
The cloaks are relatively pricy and that is why high-class women are purchasing them, in addition to the artistic-historic combination they represent, said traditional costumes designer Rihab Karsana, who is been in business since 1991.
Design and the material used in producing the cloaks such as silk, gold or silver, determine their price she said, adding that prices varied from UDS 300-800.
While younger girls prefer the adjusted versions with modern, colorful designs, middle-aged women and the elderly tend to purchase the traditional cloaks, she said.
Karsana recalled designing a piece for a girl participating in Jerash Festival using Jordanian kufi material along with colors of the Jordanian flag.
Despite the fact that technology is now used in designing and producing Jordanian cloaks, the majority of middle and high class women prefer the handmade beautifully crafted cloaks. (end) bsb.aia KUNA 171155 Jul 09NNNN