FOR FREEDOM
The symbolic “Kufiya” (aka “Shemagh” / “Keffiyeh”) PALESTINIAN KUFIYA garment is more important today than ever. Traditionally worn over the head or shoulders by farmers, the last century has seen a revival of the Kufiya as it became synonymous with the quest for Palestinian freedom and independence.
Adopted by freedom fighters in the 1930’s Arab Revolt, this traditional arabic scarf or headress became the uniform Palestinian rebels, in their resistance against the occupation of the British Empire. Not long after, in continued solidarity with Palestinian heritage and independence from Israeli occupation, the Kufiya ascended into a powerful symbol of Palestinian struggle and freedom.
Today the Palestinian Kufiya, famous for its black & white pattern.
worn across the world by those standing in solidarity with Palestine.
in the US, Europe, Malaysia, Indonesia, and of course the Middle East. It has become a meaningful fashion item worn by political activists, musicians, artists, and designers around the world.
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EXTERNAL PRESSURE
From the era of the British Empire to the Israeli occupation, the Kufiya has remained a symbol of resistance and sovereignty for the Palestinian people.
Unfortunately due to an increase in overseas low-cost manufacture, most Kufiyas seen today can no longer hold ties to the land it represents. Following the signing of the 1993 Oslo Accords and the adoption of a free-market policy, the import of low-cost kufiyas produced overseas began to flood the markets worldwide. The growing competitive pressure of mass-produced alternatives began to hurt local Palestinian weavers.
The Israeli occupation, along with checkpoints and roadblocks, creates further hindrances to the production and trade of Palestinian small businesses.
PALESTINIAN KUFIYA
Palestinian small businesses experience dwindling production and trade due to the Israeli checkpoints and roadblocks.
and the Palestinian economy is steadily starved. Each Kufiya headdress is handmade using a specific cross-stitching technique developed over decades.
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Traditionally, we weave the kufiya on two layers: the ‘base’ and the ‘pattern’ or ‘flower’ ( وردة) in Arabic.
Constant monitoring is necessary for the looms. Operators manually cut the threads between the patterns while the machine is running.
Once our machines weave the roll of kufiyas, we sew them into individual pieces, adding the iconic tassels.