Palestine comes into renewed focus at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) in Kuala Lumpur with the opening of Tatreez: Reclaiming Palestine Through Embroidery, a major exhibition that explores the threads of memory, identity and belonging woven into the Palestinian embroidery tradition. The exhibition opens on June 19 and runs until April 25, 2027. Tatreez is the Arabic term for embroidery.
As a far-reaching exhibition developed by IAMM and drawing on the museum’s collection, the showcase explores Palestinian embroidery, or tatreez, where regional motifs and techniques reflect histories of place, identity and continuity across generations.
Like IAMM’s earlier exhibition Busana: Traditional Costumes Of The Malay World, this new show employs textiles, garments and accompanying accessories as a lens through which to understand history.
“Over the years, the IAMM has gathered a significant collection of artefacts dating from the 19th to the 21st century. Each piece reflects generational heritage, ceremonies and celebrations during a period of cultural vitality, including several rare examples. This carefully curated collection has enabled IAMM to design an exhibition that tells the story of Palestine through its clothing and adornments,” writes Sharifah Shahanaz Syed Mohamed Redzuan, curator and researcher, in the IAMM newsletter.
Colours and motifs in Palestinian embroidery have historically reflected social status, beliefs, taboos and ceremonial traditions shaped by women’s lives. From everyday garments to special-occasion dress, these designs often conveyed aspects of identity without words.
The exhibition is organised across two galleries. Special Gallery 1 presents traditional motifs and regional styles reinterpreted with contemporary sensibilities while remaining rooted in identity and belonging. Special Gallery 2 highlights the diversity of Palestinian embroidery, with variations in styles, motifs and colour palettes across different localities.
The gallery, taking in geographical considerations, is further divided into 10 regions: Galilee, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Hebron, Jaffa, Ramlah-Lydda, Gaza and Naqab. Each region has its own distinctive embroidery style, colour palette and textile traditions.
“Visitors will discover a variety of embroidery techniques from cross-stitch and couching to other traditional stitches, brought to life on carefully chosen textiles such as linen, cotton, silk, taffeta and velvet.
"Beyond the thobe, a stunning array of headpieces including araqiyeh, shatweh, wuqayeh and more have been paired with veils, silver necklaces, chains, bracelets and other accessories,” reads a statement by IAMM.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of public programmes in the months ahead, including workshops and talks.
More info here.
