Framed sample of embroidery. Section from chest panel mounted on wood board and in a square, gold-painted frame. One of two wedding gifts with 2018.37.27.

Collection type: Object
Description: Framed sample of embroidery. Section from chest panel mounted on wood board and in a square, gold-painted frame. One of two wedding gifts with 2018.37.27.
Long description: Framed sample of embroidery. Section from chest panel mounted on wood board and in a square, gold-painted frame. One of two wedding gifts with 2018.37.27. The embroidery is in predominantly cross-stitch in geometric patterns laid out in diamonds, squares and panels, in shades of orange with blue, pink, purple and black threads. The back of the fame is covered with brown paper. It has two metal loops screwed in holding a piece of metal wire for hanging. [AF [EFCF project] 30/5/2018]
Geographical reference: Palestine
Asia > Western Asia > Palestine
Person: Maker Unknown Maker; Field collector Jenny Balfour-Paul; PRM source Jenny Balfour-Paul
Date / Period: Date made: Before 1974
Acquisition information: Donated: 03/03/2016
Materials and processes: Material Silk Yarn Animal, Material Cotton Seed Fibre Textile Plant, Material Wood Plant, Material Pigment, Material Metal, Material Paper Plant, Process Embroidered, Process Woven, Process Stitched, Process Framed, Process Painted, Process Nailed
Dimensions: Width: max 303 mm, Length: max 314 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 2018.37.26
Research and responses: Palestinian embroidery and dress is discussed in detail in Chapters 32 and 33 of 'Encyclopaedia of the Arab World', edited by Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, published by Bloomsbury Academic in 2016. [AF [EFCF project] 16/5/2018]
From the Wikipedia entry for Widad Kawar, who gifted the pieces: "...an internationally renowned collector of Jordanian and Palestinian ethnic and cultural arts. She has amassed an extensive collection of dresses, costumes, textiles, and jewelry over the past 50 years, seeking to preserve a culture that has been largely dispersed by conflict." (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widad_Kawar) [AF [EFCF project] 30/5/2018]
[Multaka-Oxford Project notes] - During a visit from a group of Palestinian Dabke dancers organised by the Oxford Ramallah Frienship Association (ORFA). The group discussed how the layout, colours and motifs featured in Palestinian embroidery can tell you lots about the identity of the wearer: "You see the dress, you see the stories". Refe commented: Much embroidery in the old days would be done near water to make use of the reflected light.
The group also sang a traditional song that would be performed during weddings. Aya: "Song and embroidery are our culture..." A video is shown on the project Tumblr blog: https://multaka-oxford.tumblr.com/post/178174546434/over-the-summer-the-pitt-rivers-was-lucky-to-host [AF [EFCF project] 11/1/2019]
Associated publications: Balfour-Paul, Jenny, Indigo in the Arab World, Routledge, 1997 [AF [EFCF project] 23/8/2019] Balfour-Paul, Jenny, Indigo: Egyptian Mummies to Blue Jeans by , British Museum Press, 1998 [AF [EFCF project] 23/8/2019]

Search terms: Clothing Textile, Embroidery

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