Weaving (naseej’ in Arabic) and embroidery (tatreez) are two of the oldest crafts in Palestine. Girls from the age of six used to start doing embroidery work. From the age of ten, they would start making embroidery for part of their wedding dress: a garment that will only be worn on their wedding day.
The craft of embroidery in Palestine started in the second half of the nineteenth century and is still ongoing today. It is a craft that proudly narrates what Palestine is and preserves our people’s heritage and history. Palestinian embroidery has strong geographical connections: each region has its own embroidery motifs, techniques, and colors. The embroidery of a dress is far more than just a matter of embellishment. In fact, it is rich in meaning and tells us a lot about the woman and her life, such as her social, marital, or economic status.