BRATTLEBORO-A member of a Palestinian women's cooperative will visit Brattleboro on Sunday, Feb. 16, to show and sell tatreez, the iconic Palestinan embroidery included on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Palestinian Tatreez Pop-up will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 69A Elliot Street. Laila Hasan al-Awawda of Women in Hebron will speak at 1 p.m. about her women's cooperative. The group is seeking to overcome a near total blockade of tourism and commerce in their southern West Bank city since Israeli settlers moved in, confiscating land and impeding Palestinians' movement and daily lives, including opening their shops.
Because the volatile situation has effectively shut down international tourism in Hebron, al-Awawda seeks to bring their products to the world.
Al-Awawda will sell intricately embroidered items created by Women in Hebron, such as pillow covers, backpacks, laptop bags, and guitar straps. All proceeds will benefit the cooperative. At 1 p.m., she will speak about the importance of tatreez in the context of the Palestinian struggle.
The pop-up will also feature original artwork and prints by Siwar Alaraj, a 27-year-old Palestinian artist and mother of three from Jerusalem, who aims to bring Palestinian voices and perspectives to a global audience through her work.
"I draw what I feel and what's inside me to express our identity, then ask for donations from those who support us and our struggle and to let people know that living in Palestine requires strength and determination," Alaraj said.
Tatreez is a historic embroidery style unique to Palestine. Its intricate, geometric designs are found on clothing, in particular, thobes - dresses historically worn by Palestinian women - plus household items and other accessories. Tatreez artisans like those in Hebron embody heritage, artistry, and storytelling.
Every tatreez motif holds meaning, and patterns often reflect traditions or social status. Patterns vary by region across Palestine, making each piece a distinct representation of its community. "More than an art form, tatreez is a symbol of cultural identity and resistance," according to HandmadePalestine.com.
Tatreez has been a vital part of Palestinian culture for centuries, with origins dating back to the Canaanite period more than 3,000 years ago. Though it has evolved, it remains a steadfast symbol of heritage.
In December 2021, Palestinian tatreez and traditional dress were added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This recognition emphasizes its cultural importance and ensures efforts to preserve it for future generations.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.