Palestine and the Keffiyeh
If you’ve ever seen a keffiyeh in person, I bet it was probably at a recent march or protest in your town. I would also venture a guess that it was just as likely to be worn by someone from any race or nationality… So while you may know it’s tied to Palestine, do you know what it represents?
Originally popular amongst farmers for protection from the sun, the traditional headscarf has come to symbolize sovereignty and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
During the Ottoman period, it was mainly rural workers wearing the keffiyeh. The more urban classes typically wore the red felt hat known as the tarboosh. However, during the Arab Revolt of the 1930s, Palestinians of all classes began wearing the black and white head covering in an act of unity.
Gradually, the keffiyeh gained international attention, particularly after being seen around the shoulders of prominent Palestinian politician Yasser Arafat.
The black and white keffiyeh is very recognizable, as is the white and red version. Even if you don’t really notice the distinct patterns on it, you likely recognize it immediately. The truth is that there are three separate patterns on a true keffiyeh.
One area shows a fishnet, symbolizing the fishermen and the people’s connection to the sea.
Next you see three bold lines, representing the historic trade routes that run through Palestine.
And lastly, the leaves at the bottom represent the olive trees that have grown there for decades (more on those soon!)
The Keffiyeh and We Were, We Are
While stitching the keffiyeh square, I wanted to honor this layered meaning. This square holds space for the history of the farm workers, the struggle for freedom, and the worldwide support for the Palestinian people.
I invite you to explore the quilt and see how this square connects with the others. After all, each square carries its own story, each stitch remembers a life.
