Black veils that cover women’s hair or faces may be common throughout Iran but in the villages of the Persian Gulf, girls as young as nine shield their looks in colourful masks that rely on years of tradition for their distinctive look. The golden ornaments on the veils and masks are reserved for weddings, to add a touch of sparkle during ceremonies. They also signify good financial health for anyone who wears such an ornate mask in everyday life, according to Eric. Each mask takes two days to make and is made-to-measure for the wearer.
