Palestinian Embroidery, Storytelling, and Resilience

Palestinian embroidery, or tatreez, is centuries-old textile art traditionally passed from mother to daughter over a cup of tea. The latest research on the traditional Palestinian embroidered dress, or thobe, suggests that the region’s earliest forms of embroidery date back to the 13th century. Learn about the development of embroidery and stitching in the region, from the discovery of ancient embroidery in King Tut's tomb to modern versions produced during the First Intifada in 1987.

Two lecture-based sessions explore the history and evolution of traditional costuming throughout the centuries, the transformation of the art form, and the preservation and study of Palestinian embroidery today. View never-before-seen images of garments produced in historic Palestine and learn their histories and unique qualities. In the final session, learn how to cross-stitch a rosette, the tradition’s oldest known motif found on the garments of 13th-century mummies.

This class will be recorded. Please see our FAQ for recording terms and conditions.

Other Information

• The instructor is Wafa Ghnaim.
• 3 sessions, 2 hours each
• This studio arts program is a Zoom Meeting to allow for patron and instructor interaction.

Patron Information

• All Studio Arts classes require a ticket for each participant so that the instructor can provide individual attention to every student listed on the roster.
• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
• Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.