Collecting Palestinian 'tatreez'

Palestinian dress is famous for ‘tatreez’ (elaborate hand-embroidery) and remarkable regional variations of clothing styles. The V&A first collected Palestinian garments in 1910 and we are actively expanding and diversifying the collection today.

Red embroidery on raw linen is typical of the country’s Ramallah area and this outfit was likely made by a bride for her wedding in the 1920s or ’30s. The other dress features the bold colours and silk patchwork often used along the southern coast.

Written by: Rachel Dedman, Jameel Curator of Contemporary Art from the Middle East
Published: May 2025

Collecting Stories

Museum Number
ME.20-2023
Description
Dress
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location and Date
Palestine, ca. 1930
Object information
Museum Number
T.216-1965
Description
Veil
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location and Date
Râmallah, 1870-1929
Materials/Techniques
Linen (material), Silk (yarn), Embroidery, Cross stitch
Object information
Museum Number
T.39-1963
Description
Ensemble
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location and Date
Ramallah, 1900-1930
Materials/Techniques
Linen (material), Silk thread, Silk (textile), Embroidery, Cross stitch
Object information