Handicrafts in Palestine

Background on the Handicraft Sector:

The Palestinian Handicraft industry has been in existence for many generations. While the majority of production went to the local market to be sold to tourists through the many souvenirs stores and other outlets, very little attention was given to the export potential of the sector. According to estimates from the Palestinian Federation of Chambers of Commerce, nearly 70% of production went to the local market. Furthermore, the remaining 30% were exported internationally through Israeli Agents, directly by some of the large producers, and through personal selling in churches and malls in various countries.

Palestinian handicraft has its origins in the production of indigenous basic utensils and domestic furnishing made of clay, glass, straw, wood and cane. The increasing importance of Palestine as a destination for tourists and religious pilgrims has stimulated development of handicraft industries producing for local and international markets. In addition to the traditional embroidery, Palestinian artisans incorporate local and imported designs in the production of olive wood and mother-of-pearl souvenirs, including crosses, Christmas tree ornaments, nativity scene sets, Islamic motifs and jewelry items bearing the insignia of the Holy Land.

Furthermore, Palestinian artisans produce (hand made) glass in a wide variety of shapes and colors, continuing a Mediterranean traditional craft dating back to Phoenician times. The tradition of rug weaving continues, using yarns hand-spun and hand-dyed, from wool obtained from the Awassi sheep. Leather, textile and bamboo products are also available. In addition, Armenian artisans have specialized in the production of fine painted ceramic tiles and pottery, thus adding to the range of traditional Palestinian handicrafts. Although these handicraft workshops and retail outlets can mostly be found in and around Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron and Gaza City, their industry is continuing to flourish and they seem to be growing extensively each year.

Olive Wood Handicrafts

Although the first olive trees took root in ancient Palestine as far back as 6,000 years ago, the craft of ornamental olive wood carving is thought to date from as recently as the 15th Century AD when Olive wood carvings in the Holy Land were first marketed to early Pilgrims as religious items. Later these olive wood products were extended into a wide range of handicrafts, mostly representing the story of Christianity. Today, Turath Center has selected the finest Nativity scenes and Holy Land carvings produced in the traditional local style from Bethlehem area.

Mother of Pearl

The Mother of Pearl craft was first introduced into Palestine between the 14th and 16th centuries when Franciscan Friars from Damascus together with Craftsmen from Genoa, introduced the art and craft to the local population. Palestinian artisans have passed this craft on from one generation to the next. Today, these beautiful products include crosses, frames, boxes and more. The abalone shells used in this craft are imported from Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Brazil. The entire production process including cutting and gluing takes place in these local workshops based on traditional Palestinian designs.

Ceramics and Glassware

Ceramics from Hebron are hand formed, individually hand-painted, and heated in a clay oven. The designs date back to the beginnings of civilization and are typical of Bedouin crafts that have derived from Phoenician and Biblical times over 3000 years ago. Glassware from the Hebron area is also based on shapes and forms that have been well-known in Palestine for millennia. These designs include bud vases and large flower vases, water glasses, cups, goblets and wine glasses.

Embroidery

Palestinian embroidery is beginning to experience a revival after a lengthy period of decline beginning in 1948. Traditionally practiced by Palestinian women in the villages and countryside, the stitching style, fabrics, patterns and colors are all designed to communicate specific information about the wearer or owner. According to these indicators, the dress a woman wore represented a specific marital status, region or village of origin. Turath Center offers some exquisite examples of shawls, pillowcases, coasters, tablecloths and bags.

More Products

In the near future the products exhibited and offered by the Turath Center will extend to products such as rugs, mosaics, jewelry, and custom made furniture from Palestinian designers. The house will also showcase paintings and photography by Palestinian artists.