Description
Palestinian tatreez hand embroidered triangle shaped backpack. Small zipped pocket on front – larger pocket on reverse.
Measures 22cm by 16cm by 35 cm
Hand made by Idna Ladies’ Association. Idna was started in 1998, and takes its name from local village of Idna, southwest of Hebron. The village is quite isolated and suffers not only from frequent Israeli blockades of major roads, but also from the construction of the Separation Wall. Embroidery is done by 50 women, 4 do the sewing and there are 4 paid staff at the centre. The Association has a savings scheme allowing any member to borrow money for a particularly pressing need.
Benefiting from the help of a Japanese designer and sewing instructor, the products evince highest quality in design, embroidery and sewing. Shoulder bags and backpacks are very popular, and their unique thistle design coasters were designed by Joan Musgrave for the Scottish market. A Palcrafts grant in 2007 enabled 3 women to study English and acquire computer skills but this is a very proud, independent group of women who have not asked for other grants.