The Shemagh (aka arab scarf or palestinian shemagh) was originally used for protection against hostile desert conditions, providing protection against the sun, wind, sandstorms and the cold at night. Next to his rifle, knife and boots, the Shemagh, is probably one of the most useful piece of equipment a soldier can have. A Shemagh is a square cotton cloth, a woven scarf about 110x110cm. It comes in a wide variety of colour combinations (red/white - black/white - black/green - sand/black) - the more dominant colour is sewn or woven into the cloth in a pattern. When used correctly, as originally intended - a head wrap, the Shemaghs are surprisingly comfortable. But it also have several other uses - here is a short list of it's potential uses:
-as a head wrap - keeping sun or snow, wind, sand and dust - out of eyes, face and neck -as a face veil - concealing the face -as a scarf worn around the neck - retains heat in the cold and absorbs sweat/protects the neck in hot & sunny conditions -as a small sunshade cover whilst resting -as an arm sling - giving a wounded arm support -as a foot wrap - replacing a lost sock -as a carrying pouch for equipment -as a towel -as a short rope
The Shemagh is a traditional head wrap originating from the Middle East/Arabic culture developed from the Arabic turban - and have been used by them for centuries. Now days it's perhaps publicly best know as used by the Palestinians. To the western world and - in military use - the British SAS (Special Air Service) discovered the Shemaghs potential when operating in northern Africa's deserts during the WW2. It has been a popular and valuable piece of the SAS soldiers equipment ever since and have spread from there.
