Lowng

Master Thesis

This project explores lowng, a traditional cotton fabric worn by Iranian men, typically found in public bathhouses (hammams) and Zoorkhaneh (Houses of Strength) spaces dedicated to both physical training and spiritual practice. The fabric, available in various patterns, is used to cover the lower body or to dry the body after bathing. Over time, however, shifting lifestyles have caused these traditions to fade. While a few bathhouses remain active, many have been transformed into museums or teahouses, turning lived rituals into cultural memory. This collection focuses on the visual and symbolic language of masculinity within the Persian bathhouse: the lowng as a garment, tattooed bodies, and bodybuilder-like poses that emphasize strength and power. In contrast, my work reinterprets these elements through the figure of a woman challenging traditional gender roles and confronting established social norms.