Name/Title
Bethlehem - Gaza Dress (Early 20th Century)Entry/Object ID
2022.023Description
This thobe combines the chest panel of the Bethlehem thobe al-malak with the regional dress styles of Gaza, al-Ramle, and al-Khalil in the skirt and sleeves. The original Gaza dress was made in the early 20th century, and the added panels in the 1930s or 1940s. All elements came together for the sale of the dress by 1972 in Jerusalem. The sewing was done poorly, perhaps by a shopkeeper who wanted to gain maximum profit from tourists by including the treasured Bethlehem chest panel.
This dress was featured in an essay by the curator published by the National Gallery of Singapore:
Tatreez Illuminations: GLISTEN in Palestinian Embroidery & Dress History, April 7, 2025. National Gallery of Singapore: Singapore. Link: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/sg/en/learn-about-art/magazine/tatreez-illuminations.htmlCollection
Permanent CollectionClothing/Dress/Costume Details
Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume
DressClothing Sex
FemaleMade/Created
Date made
1930 - 1940Time Period
20th CenturyEthnography
Notes
Regarded as a vital component of Palestinian heritage.
