Hand-Painted Clay Thobe 8” - Lifta

Each of these clay thobes is a one-of-a-kind work of art inspired by the traditional embroidered thobes (dresses) of Palestine. More than a garment, the thobe carries regional identity, family heritage, and cultural memory through its distinctive silhouettes, colors and meaningful tatreez designs.  Shaped by hand from clay, each thobe is carefully formed and carved with intricate tatreez motifs. It is then left to bake and harden for several days beneath the Palestinian sun. Once dry, it is painted in vibrant colors and finished with a protective varnish. This meticulous, time-intensive process gives every thobe its own distinctive character, with subtle variations reflecting its maker’s touch and creating a powerful expression of Palestinian existence and resistance. Approximately 8” long, there is a small but sturdy metal hook on the back for hanging.  Occupied Shatha Raised on the inspiring stories of Palestinian resilience and resistance from her family, lifelong artist Shatha Safi began creating art that illustrated Palestinian traditions after the loss of her father and grandmother.  Missing her grandmother also meant missing seeing her grandmother’s thobe every day. Traditionally worn daily by Palestinian women all over the country, thobes have been a staple in Palestinian culture for centuries. With intricate embroidery patterns unique to each village in Palestine, thobes are more than just everyday attire, but a physical manifestation of Palestine itself.