Palestinian Dress Fragment

The rich culture of Palestine is seen through the embroidery work of women (also called tatreez), with each region having distinctive motifs. The embroidery decorates dresses, hats, shawls, and other fabric items for the home and body. Most is done in a cross stitch.

This particular panel is a fragment of a woman's dress, likely from the Hebron region. The motifs (from the center seam out) are feathers, baker's wife, and graves. It looks as if there's another motif on the outside, but it's too worn to tell.

A great source for information on Palestinian embroidery is Tatreez & Tea. 

Circa: 19th century

Origin: Palestine

Material: Silk, cotton, velvet backing

Condition: Good, loss to embroidery

Dimensions: 60" x 14"

Inventory number: TX5328