Name/Title
Gaza - Al Khalil Dress (Early 20th Century)Entry/Object ID
2022.020Description
This dress (thobe) is from the villages between al-Khalil towards Gaza. The purple fabric was produced in al-Majdal, a weaving center for Palestinians prior to its depopulation in 1948-1950. It is attached with Managel Ghazawei, a binding stitch unique to the Gaza region. The yellow panel in the front center is made with taffeta, an overspun silk, delicate to touch, with a triangular top of striped Syrian silk. The embroidery is typical of Gaza, however the cut of the dress with the silk panel insert, is typical of al-Khalil styles. The dress incorporates patchwork of around four dresses, with the earliest dress from the (very) early twentieth century. Three of the four dresses that comprise this dress are from Gaza, and one is from Bir Saba, possibly indicating the exile of the wearer. Altogether, the dress is a beautiful showcase of multi-generational inheritance and adaptation, telling the story of a people in exile and dispossession, yet deep connection between generations of women.Clothing/Dress/Costume Details
Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume
DressClothing Sex
FemaleNotes
Regarded as a vital component of Palestinian heritage.Made/Created
Time Period
20th CenturyPlace
Historical Region
Palestine (Historic)Continent
AsiaRelationships
Related Places
Notes
Sleeves from Bir Saba (mid-20th century)Notes
The chest panel from Gaza (late-19th century)Notes
The skirt panels front and back from Gaza (early-20th century)
