In 2021, UNESCO added Palestinian embroidery to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing it as “a widespread social and intergenerational practice in Palestine,” a symbol of national pride and a way in which women supplement family income.
But like other Indigenous handicrafts across the world, it faces threats, including mechanization and abandonment of old styles of dress.
Now there is a push to revive the handicraft in younger generations and to preserve old thobes that tell Palestinian history.
In July, the museum inaugurated a Textile Conservation Studio to preserve Palestinian thobes and other heritage fabrics and to provide training for conservation and restoration.
“We need to practice our heritage so we don’t lose it,” said Maha Saca, the founder and director of the Palestinian Heritage Center in Bethlehem, who helped submit the UNESCO application and is now working on opening the academy.
Persons:
”, Maha Saca
Organizations:
UNESCO, Heritage, Humanity, West Bank, Conservation, Palestinian Heritage Center
Locations:
Palestine, Palestinian, Bethlehem