Ibtihaj Muhammad's Fencing Mask
Encouraging acceptance through sport
For generations, U.S. Olympic athletes have proudly worn the American flag—a symbol of independence, patriotism, and revolution. At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, American saber fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad embodied all three qualities. Wearing this mask over her hijab, the traditional head covering of Muslim women, she became the first Muslim American athlete to compete in a headscarf and the first Muslim American woman to earn an Olympic medal.
Fencing mask worn by Ibtihaj Muhammad during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games
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- date made
- 2016
- user
- Muhammad, Ibtihaj
- Description (Brief)
- Fencing mask worn by Ibtihaj Muhammad during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games has a metal mesh face piece painted with an image of the American flag and lined in red. Muhammad is an American saber fencer and is the first Muslim- American woman to wear a hajib while competing for the United States in Olympic competition. USA Fencing won the bronze medal in the team competition earning Muhammad the distinction of becoming the first female Muslim-American athlete to earn a medal at the Olympics.
- subject
- Fencing
- Amateur
- Olympics
- Women
- See more items in
- Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
- Sports & Leisure
- Religion
- Exhibition
- Entertainment Nation
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- Credit Line
- Gift of Ibtihaj Muhammad
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- ID Number
- 2016.0350.03
- accession number
- 2016.0350
- catalog number
- 2016.0350.03
- Object Name
- fencing mask
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- plastic (overall material)
- fabric, cotton (overall material)
- fabric, metal (overall material)
- fabric, polyester (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 15 in x 9 in x 9 1/2 in; 38.1 cm x 22.86 cm x 24.13 cm
- Record ID
- nmah_1823419
