July 16 through October 8, 2006, the Craft and Folk Art Museum presents "Sovereign Threads: A History of Palestinian Embroidery"—the first museum exhibition of Palestinian embroidery and costumes in Los Angeles. This historic exhibition addresses the struggle to sustain a cultural heritage and identity despite a displaced and fragmented society. Featured are costumes from different villages in the regions of historic (pre-1948) Palestine including Ramallah, Jerusalem (Al Qods), Bethlehem and Galilee (Al Jalil), from the collection of Farah and Hanan Munayyer, founders of the Palestinian Heritage Foundation.

Also on display will be contemporary embroidered works that use traditional motifs adapted to modern designs, as embroidered by women in refugee camps in Lebanon. CAFAM has partnered with The Association for the Development of Palestinian Camps (INAASH) to make the contemporary embroidery available for sale, with all proceeds going to support of human services in Lebanese camps. Founded in Lebanon in 1969, INAASH aims to improve the living conditions in the camps by creating jobs for women and preserving the Palestinian national heritage.

Costumes featured in this exhibition will focus on bridal dresses, which are prepared several years before the bride's engagement, are worn at the wedding, and worn again throughout the marriage on ceremonial occasions. Each cluster of villages has its own style of traditional costume; the specific colors, stitches, and patterns in the dress easily distinguish it from those of a different region. The bridal dresses, and accompanying headpieces and jewelry, on display date from the 1860's to the 1940's. Textile arts have been of unique importance in the Middle East since antiquity. From the pre-biblical era and with each passing phase of history, the tradition of spinning, weaving, dyeing and embroidery has been held in high esteem.
The effects of modernization, combined with war and on-going conflict, have threatened the continuity of this legacy. Although the majority of Palestinian women today wear modern dress, many enjoy wearing an embroidered jacket, abaya, shawl or scarf for special occasions. Old patterns are also kept alive in items for household decoration such as cushions, tablecloths, and wall hangings.

Such contemporary items, as created by INAASH and embroidered by women living in refugee camps in Lebanon, will be shown. INAASH was founded by a group of Lebanese and Palestinian women who foresaw the necessity of preserving Palestinian cultural traditions after their displacement. The Association's "Embroidery Project" creates jobs for women living in camps and supports their economic independence during very difficult circumstances. Proceeds from the sale of these items will also go to support INAASH Kindergartens and Youth Centers in the refugee camps.

Huguette Caland, artist and INAASH co-founder, who now lives and works in her Venice, CA home studio, has been instrumental in organizing this international collaboration. "The motifs in Palestinian costumes and embroidery are some of the most beautiful in the world and have influenced textile and fashion designs for years," Caland states. "'Sovereign Threads' is a testament to the power of folk art in the preservation of cultural identity. As a nation in waiting, an expression of Palestinian culture preserves not only their history, but also guarantees their future identity" adds CAFAM Director, Maryna Hrushetska.

The exhibition, co-curated by Hanan Munayyer and INAASH, remains open through October 8, 2006. This exhibition is funded by Folk Art Council of the Craft and Folk Art Museum, Ibrahim AlHusseini, in honor of his father, Ameen AlHusseini, Anonymous donor, Palestinian American Women's Association and A. M. Qattan Foundation supporting culture and education in Palestine and the Arab World.

About CAFAM:

The Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) is a Los Angeles nonprofit cultural arts organization dedicated to the public presentation and preservation of folk arts and contemporary craft. Founded in 1965, originally as "The Egg and The Eye" by the late Edith Wyle, who passionately promoted traditional artisans and the virtue of handmade art the Museum opened in 1974. As a local Museum with global reach, CAFAM seeks to promote international goodwill and global understanding among its citizens. The Museum works to preserve and strengthen the folk culture of our community based on its belief that the quality of urban life is directly related to the vitality and diversity of viewpoints and traditions.

Craft and Folk Art Museum, >5814 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036.  323.937.4230.Museum Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 11 am - 5 pm, Thursday 11 am - 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 12 - 6 pm.

Museum Admission: General $5.00 / Students and Seniors 3.00 / Members and Children under 12 Free / Free 1st Wednesday of month.


Volunteer with Levantine Cultural Center's Programming Committee

Bring your ideas, enthusiasm and support to the Center by participating in our Programming Committee, which cooperates with our Board of Directors in creating new arts programs in the months ahead. Visit our volunteer opportunities page. To get on the reservation list for the next meeting, email us now!


Board of Directors Seeks Community Leaders