logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2024
35m 56s

S1E16. History of Thread in Tatreez with...

Tatreez Talk
About this episode

16. [BONUS EPISODE] HISTORY OF THREAD IN TATREEZ WITH WAFA FROM TATREEZ AND TEA

WAFA GHNAIM IS A RESEARCHER, ARCHIVIST, AND THE FACE BEHIND TATREEZ AND TEA (@tatreezandtea). If you haven't already heard her story, it’s a MUST listen. Search for episode #4 to check it out (link is also below).

In this bonus episode, we’re bringing back Wafa Ghnaim for a special bonus release to discuss thread over time in Palestinian tatreez. 

Thread, as Wafa so eloquently shares, offers us a much more nuanced understanding of cultural heritage, gender roles, and Palestinian tradition when we double click on its production and consumption of thread in tatreez.

You’ll hear about:

>> 1:06: Types of threads historically used in Palestinian embroidery

>> 4:13: Transition from locally-made thread to mass production

>> 7:00: External influences on thread in tatreez i.e. colonialism, trade

>> 12:25: Cultural heritage traditions of thread in tatreez

>> 17:20: Common threads between indigenous communities 

>> 20:28: Thread dyes

>> 25:00: Embroidery floss versus pearl cotton

>> 28:50: Thread color language / literacy in tatreez history

Rate, Review, & Follow on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

“I love Palestinian embroidery and Tatreez Talk.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us elevate the vibrant narratives of Palestinian embroiderers and support more tatreez-ers — just like you — in learning more about tatreez and connecting with each other. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and others -- just scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. We’re adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

>> Episode #4 | Preserving Palestinian History through Tatreez with Wafa from Tatreez and Tea

>> Choosing a Color Palette, Tatreez Color Guide by Tatreez and Tea [blog post]

>> Thobna by Wafa Ghnaim for color palette scheme over various time periods and regions

>> Encyclopedia of Embroidery from the Arab World by Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood

>> Embroidering Identities by Iman Saca [free PDF download]

>> Palestinian Costume by Shelagh Weir

>> Hand-dying workshops at Tiraz Centre

Follow us @tatreeztalk
Follow Amanne @minamanne & Lina @linasthobe

Up next
Aug 14
S4E12. Fluent in Tatreez with Joanna Barakat from @thetatreezcircle
JOANNA BARAKAT IS AN ARTIST, FOUNDER OF THE TATREEZ CIRCLE, AND NOW AUTHOR (@joanna.barakat.art; @thetatreezcircle). Joanna shares how tatreez became central to her identity—even though neither of her Palestinian grandmothers wore embroidered dresses. Her connection grew not from ... Show More
54m 47s
Aug 7
S4E11. Sit Up and Stitch the Palestinian Dream with Nisreen
NISREEN IS A PALESTINIAN TATREEZ ARTIST BASED IN THE UK (@nisreensthreads). Nisreen’s tatreez journey began during lockdown when she stumbled upon the tradition and decided to give it a try. Starting with simple motifs, she taught herself using YouTube and Instagram tutorials—gra ... Show More
56m 23s
Jul 31
S4E10. ⁠Tatreez as a Builder with Amal Ali
AMAL IS A BUILDER, TATREEZER, AND EXPLORER (@amalalii). Amal begins by recounting her upbringing in Deir Dibwan, a village near Ramallah, where tatreez was ever-present—in homes, on clothing, and as part of daily life. Inspired at a young age by her aunt’s embroidered Qur’anic ve ... Show More
39m 5s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
Tatreez on Stone I Naqsh Collective
With each stitch and surface, Naqsh Collective reimagines the boundaries between craft, architecture, and memory. In this episode, we sit with Nisreen, Nermeen and Shireen Abu Dail, the sisters behind the collective, to reflect on what it means to carry Palestinian identity throu ... Show More
38m 58s
Jun 2024
E87: Class struggle in Palestine, part 2
Part 2 of our double-episode podcast about workers' struggles in Palestine during the British Mandate (1920-48). In this episode, we cover the Palestinian labour movement during World War II, new Palestinian workers’ organisations, the split (along national lines) in the Palestin ... Show More
48m 14s
Mar 2025
The Palestinian Museum | Amer Shomali (Part 2)
In Part II of our episode with acclaimed multidisciplinary artist, Amer Shomali, we delve into The Palestinian Museum and the value it holds in conserving Palestinian arts, culture, and heritage at a time when Palestinian heritage is being erased. Throughout, we discuss the ways ... Show More
37m 33s
Mar 2025
Documenting Ghassan Abu Sittah I Carol Mansour & Muna Khalidi
When Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah left after 43 days of working around the clock under constant bombardment in Gaza’s emergency rooms, filmmakers Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi didn’t think twice before deciding to document his story. In this episode, they discuss A State of Passion, t ... Show More
39 m
Dec 2024
On Exile, Film & Romman | Saleem Al Beik
Join us as we delve into the rich intersections of literature and cinema as we speak with author and film critic Saleem Al Beik. This episode unpacks his unique lens on Palestine, exploring themes of 'return,' the evolution of Palestinian cinema, and the power of documentation in ... Show More
1h 2m
Sep 2024
Kalam Live from Zita! With Bernt Hermele and Sarah Dahman Hallgren
After a screening of the documentary Where the Olive Trees Wheep Edgar sits with the Swedish writer Bernt Hermele and the Palestinian-French curator of books, Sarah Dahman Hallgren for a conversation about trauma and resistance. Thank you to everyone who came to see us live!If yo ... Show More
49m 56s
Jul 2024
Sonja Mejcher-Atassi | An Impossible Friendship: Group Portrait, Jerusalem Before & After 1948
This episode was recorded on July 10th, 2024.Check out Sonja's reading recommendations for Palestinian literature from the 20th Century 👉https://www.afikra.com/daftarjournal/sonja-mejcher-atassi-book-recommendationsAnd dive deeper into the history of the King David Hotel 👉https ... Show More
1h 4m
Feb 2025
Animating Resistance | Amer Shomali (Part 1)
From his acclaimed film The Wanted 18 to his multimedia art featuring the iconic Leila Khaled and the Visit Palestine poster, Amer Shomali takes us through his creative journey with all its twists and turns. In this episode, we explore how he weaves humor, animation, history, and ... Show More
44m 11s
Aug 2022
Jameed and Other Jordanian Delicacies | Omar Sartawi
In this Matbakh event, we talked to Omar Sartawi about his creations and subtle blend of flavors from his travels to Europe and the Arab Gulf with his heritage and Jordanian roots. Omar’s popular consecration came in 2017, when he took the local food scene by storm with the launc ... Show More
26m 42s
Nov 2024
Gaza on Canvas | Malak Mattar
How would a city enduring genocide appear on a painter’s canvas? In this episode, we explore the world of Palestinian artist Malak Mattar, whose vivid yet haunting creations offer some answers. Malak, who has grown up under siege in Gaza, and whose artwork traveled before she did ... Show More
46m 32s