top of page

The THOB

Name:         Thob Al Malak               Place:         Palestine (Bethleem)

 

Period:        Before 1948                 Materials:    Linen, silk, cotton, wool

 

Occasion:    Special / religious occasion

    Before 1948 (Naqba) and the invasion of religious garments, women in Palestine were used to wearing thob, a traditional kind of richly embroidered dress. Thoses latters were very popular at the end of 19th century. The most decorated ones were worn for special events such as weddings, pilgrimages and important events.

 

   The embroideries take inspiration from geometric shapes and from nature. Besides, they refer to situation and origin of her owner : the shape of the thob and its embroideries belong to distinctive regions of Palestine. The materials are a reflection of the wealth through expensive fabrics (can even be composed of gold or silver).

The dress is made of 5 diferent embroired yokes :

  • “Raddah”, on the shoulder. Also exists without embroideries.

  • “Qabbah”, on the front (dickey). It is the most sophisticated and important part.

  • “Benayiq”, on the sides. They are usually made of silk taffeta which is more resistant.

  • “Hijjer”, at the bottom. This part is the most variable and depend of the owner's region

  • “Irdam or Kurm”, on the sleeves. Refer to the shape of the sleeves (can be a triangle).

bottom of page