Palestine
Thob Malak (Woman's Wedding Dress)
Early 20th Century
Linen and silk plain weave with silk couching, satin stitch, and straight stitch embroidery
55 x 55 inches (139.7 x 140.018 centimeters)
Gift of The Reverend and Mrs. Van S. Merle-Smith, Jr., 1993.
1993.028.005

Embroidery from the Palestinian town of Bethlehem is characterized by bright colors and metal-wrapped threads stitched into densely packed designs made up of curving lines. The primary technique used was called "couching," where threads were laid on the surface of the fabric and attached with other threads stitched across them. Often this embroidery was purchased by a bridegroom and given to his bride in the form of panels, such as the ones on this dress. The bride then completed her wedding dress by sewing the panels to the sleeves, front and skirt.