Traditional Palestinian Costume - by Hanan Karaman Munayyer (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

NEW EXPANDED EDITION OF A TREASURED CLASSIC.

A joyous celebration of pattern and color, and of an enduring Palestinian tradition.

The historical and cultural richness of Palestine is reflected visually in its costume and embroidery. Distinguished by boldness of color, richness of pattern, and diversity of style, and combined with great needlework skill, these textiles have long played an important role in Palestinian culture and identity and manifested themselves in every aspect of Palestinian life.

Based on over twenty-five years of extensive field research, this lavishly illustrated book presents the most exhaustive and up-to-date study of the origins of Palestinian embroidery and costume--from antiquity through medieval Arab textile arts to the present.

With sumptuous photography and well-informed text, it documents region by region the evolution of costume and the textile arts in Palestine in the

nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and displays this unique art in all its splendor.

Review Quotes

"[A] magnificent work of deep love; among the most elegant artistic productions between two covers I have seen. Meeting this book is like opening a treasure box... a gift to the Palestinian nation, the Arab heritage, and indeed the cultural legacy of the world."--Dick Doughty, Saudi Aramco World

"[A] mesmerizing must-have coffee table book ... It documents costumes from antiquity to modern times, categorizing regional specificities, especially since the late 19th century onwards. Superbly illustrated-the book counts no less than 500 photographs documenting abayas, head gear, sashes, and the all-important brides' trousseaus, which young girls would start working on from their early teens."--Elle (Middle East)

"[A] monumental volume, this inspiring contribution testifies to the Palestinian people's unwavering commitment to the belief that their right to national and human dignity is irreversible and its realization is inevitable."--Dr. Clovis Maksoud

"Stunningly gorgeous! This is a work of passionate commitment and unstinting dedication. Its comprehensiveness, density, elegance and sheer beauty are a tribute both to the subject and the author."--Dr. Walid Khalidi, Harvard University

"This spectacularly beautiful production is a major contribution to recording a critically endangered costume heritage. Elegantly boxed, with hundreds of splendid photographs, many of them full page, as well as a small selection of old photographs, paintings and prints, and images of jewelry and household accessories, the book is a treasure chest of information ... The dresses are stunning with every kind of technique--from counted thread work, to brilliant and modern looking patchwork effects, to Ottoman-style couching ... a valuable resource for the history of costume."--Caroline Stone, Saudi Aramco World

About the Author

Hanan Karaman Munayyer, a Palestinian-American, is co-founder and president of the Palestinian Heritage Foundation. She has researched and lectured on Palestinian textile arts at colleges, universities, and museums for over thirty years.

Dr. Hanan Mikhael Ashrawi is a Palestinian politician, activist, and scholar.