Traditional Palestinian Embroidery and Jewelry by Abed Al-Samih Abu Omar.

Traditional Palestinian Embroidery and Jewelry by Abed Al-Samih Abu Omar.  Hardcover book (no dust jacket) with pictorial boards and slipcase published by Al Shark 1987.

Wow.  What an amazing find… even if I do say so myself.  I’m a bit of sucker for folky embroideries.  Not so much the DIY or craft aspect, but in the finished objects themselves.  When I found this book I had never encountered the wonderful world of Palestinian embroidery and after glancing through it, I’m still no expert, but I do now have an appreciation for the art and I’d like to think my life is that little bit richer after perusing through this book.

There is of course the whole Palestinian question/issue which is something that this book is not about.  In a way though, by showing how rich a culture these people have, the book does promote the Palestinians and I’m sure I’m not the only person who has looked through this book and thought about the issues that surround the people themselves.  If that wasn’t the intention of the book, I’d be surprised.  If it was the intention, they have succeeded… at least here at Huc & Gabet they have succeeded.

The book has a slipcase which doesn’t exactly fit the book and it does have some wear, which is good as it means that it has successfully done it’s job in protecting the book.  But unfortunately there is still some slight wear to the top and bottom of the spine and to the corners.  Also some of the printing is definitely of a third world 1980s nature.  Still, even minor wear and some dodgy printing can’t conceal the stunning world of Palestinian Embroidery and Jewelry.  A truly lovely book.