The Veil in Ancient Near Eastern Religions and Cultures Some Remarks

Abstract

In the texts from Syrian cities like Ebla, Mari, Emar and Ugarit there are several words indicating textiles destined to cover the head and sometimes also the shoulders of women. In the Ebla texts PAD (-TUG2) (Sumerian), gu2-du-mu/ma-ga-da-ma-tum/ma-da-ma-tum (Semitic) is a textile, often of linen, used to cover the body, the shoulders and the head. During the great ritual of royalty at Ebla the queen received the veil only after several days of trip. The veil at Ebla is destined mostly for brides but not only. Married women in Syria did not always wear the veil.