Object/Image Analysis Proposal

Object/Image Analysis Proposal - 200 words

Writing up Research ideas and Electronic Research Portfolio Project for Unit 1 & 2

A 200-word statement about what my initial thoughts are on what I want to research and reasons why.

After the course lecture on how fashion can create an identity, I thought I could base my research around how a different culture displays its identity through clothing.  My family has been living in Oman for over a year now and every time I visit the country I find the way Omani women dress very fascinating.  My initial project thoughts are to research and understand the cultural, religious and historical reasons why Omani women dress the way they do.  It will be interesting to find out the exact reasons and values why they cover up and conceal themselves so fully when in public (from head to toe) and what dress styles they have in the home.  I will also investigate how Omani men have influenced on the way the women and their wives dress.  It seems to me that men hold a more superior position than women, almost like a hierarchy.  The dress traditions appear to come from a long time ago, such as wearing the abaya, black cover dress, and the birka facemask.  But, are changes likely to the traditional dress styles due to modern, western pressures or the influences of technology and available raw materials?