SEM's collection od headwear and headdresses includes about 1600 individual items.

It constitutes a well-rounded whole in terms of contents and functions, but it is far too extensive considering the form of presentation adopted for the SEM's Library publications. This publication therefore systematically presents only about half the collection in the catalogue section, excluding the two most extensive groups of headwear (embroidered white headscarves and other headscarves); these are, however, included in the introductory study in order to achive a comprehensive tratment, and they are ilustrated with selected specimens.