Tatreez Workshop

In an interview with Qatar America Institute of Culture’s Board Director, Sandy Wilkinson, renowned fashion designer and QAIC Honorary Trustee, Naeem Khan, shared that “culture is what binds us.” What better way to weave together a culturally diverse community than with actual thread, as is used in embroidery? Bringing together artists of various mediums, individuals of different cultures and students of varying expertise, textile researcher, author and curator, Wafa Ghnaim taught a marvelous tatreez class at QAIC. 

QAIC, in collaboration with the Museum of Palestinian People, welcomed guests into our ballroom to learn about the cultural significance and practice of tatreez, a traditional Palestinian embroidery technique. QAIC Executive Director, Fatima Al-Dosari, and Museum of Palestinian People Executive Director, Bshara Nasser, gave opening remarks after guests were treated to light refreshments, including dates, maamool and sage tea. The interactive class included an introduction by Wafa about how she began studying tatreez, as well as a historical overview of Palestinian thobs (the traditional Palestinian dress).  

This introductory Palestinian embroidery class focused on the amulet motif. The amulet is one of the oldest patterns found in Palestinian embroidery, known for its protective qualities that provide good luck to the wearer. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, thobes often incorporated a multitude of amulet motifs, regardless of the regional origination of the embroiderer.  

We extend our sincerest thanks to our partners at MPP, as well as the students who attended and expanded their knowledge of textual expressions of Palestinian culture. Most importantly, we thank Wafa Ghanim for sharing her skills and wealth of knowledge.