Title
Pair of socks
Year/Period
19th-early 20th centuries
Region
Iran
Material
Dimension
Unknown Type: Please refer to parts
Accession No.
1999-02772
Collection of
This pair of socks probably belonged to a Sufi, also known as darwish in Persian (from which we get the English term ‘dervish’). The root words of Sufi are believed to be ‘suf’ meaning wool or ‘safa’ meaning purity. These words refer to both the simple woollen cloaks worn by these Muslim ascetics, and the purity of the heart that Sufi followers strive to achieve. These socks were, and still are worn in the northern colder climates of Iran. They are traditionally worn indoors as house socks. The upper band is woven with the words ‘Mubarak bad’ (meaning congratulations, or good wishes). This benediction would suggest that these socks were probably a gift to commemorate a special occasion.
