Labour of Love: Embroidering Palestinian History

Past Exhibition

Labour of Love takes visitors on a journey of discovery of tatreez (embroidery) as woven into the fabric of Palestinian society.

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Palestinian folk fashion presents a means to exploring Palestinian social history as a whole, and what women’s work, in particular, embodies at the centre of this history. It provides the basis to delve into how tatreez is woven into the social, economic, and political fabric of society across different historical periods

Curated by Baha Jubeh of The Palestinian Museum, and part of Qatar-MENASA 2022 Year of Culture, Labour of Love investigates the symbolism of the practice, shining a light on the Palestinian thobe – a traditionally embroidered dress. Through works from the collections of Qatar Museums and the Palestinian Museum, it seeks to explore the legacy of tatreez through the lenses of gender, labour, commodity and class.

The exhibition also traces the shift of tatreez from a personal practice, made with love, to a national symbol and onto a product circulating in the global marketplace.

Sponsorship support for Labour of Love provided by Ashraf Abu Issa, Ameed Hamed Al Hussein, Rami Elnatsha and Seedeco.

About the museum

The Palestinian Museum – Non-Governmental Association is dedicated to supporting an open and dynamic Palestinian culture nationally and internationally. The museum presents and engages with new perspectives on Palestinian history, society, and culture. It also offers spaces for creative ventures, educational programmes, and innovative research.

More about the exhibition