A Selection of Palestinian Embroidery Books

This is a list of significant books on Palestinian embroidery, each focusing on different aspects of this cultural art form made by and for women. The books detail traditional motifs, costume evolution, as well as the importance of embroidery in Palestinian social fabrics.

This Week in Palestine

Megazine

This Week in Palestine beautifully illustrated March 2022 issue introduces you to some of the most important experts, collectors, and collections of Palestinian embroidery.

The knowledge and craft that was an integral part of daily life and that – amidst avid engagement to preserve the art of embroidery not only from time but also from appropriation – was included on UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage in December 2021 is falling prey to our fast modern lifestyle. But the dresses that once were the most precious possession of Palestinian women have not lost their splendor. Most fascinating is that their design tells you where the wearer lived and what marital status she had. The intricacies and splendor of traditional jellaya (popular before the 1930s) or malak (more modern) wedding dresses will enchant you, even though images can never match the experience of seeing or touching a real thobe.

www.thisweekinpalestine.com