The women’s ceremonial costume in the Eastern region of Algeria: knowledge and skills associated with the making and adornment of the ‘Gandoura’ and the ‘Melehfa’
Inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
© Centre national de recherches préhistoriques, anthropologiques et historiques (CNRPAH), Algérie, 2023 The Gandoura and Melehfa are traditional attires worn by women in Eastern Algeria for festive occasions such as weddings, ceremonies, and national and religious festivities. The Gandoura is a long, flared robe made of satin or velvet and embroidered with floral and animal motifs using techniques such as gold thread and beadwork. Accessories include a chain around the waist and conical headgear embroidered with gold thread or embellished with coins, a diadem or a medallion chain. Embroidered jackets or long draping garments can be worn over the robe. The Melehfa is a wide, draping garment that is supported on the shoulders by two silver brooches and at the waist by a long belt made of dyed wool. The excess fabric is folded over the chest and towards the back. It is completed with a turban or scarf adorned with pendants or a diadem. Both outfits are complemented with jewellery such as earrings, chains, necklaces, bracelets and anklets. The knowledge and skills related to crafting and wearing the outfits and accessories are transmitted formally through training centres and private institutions, as well as informally within families.
