Claudia Martinez Mansell of Kissweh

Kissweh is an embroidery studio based in Lebanon and Los Angeles. Their goals are: to be a contemporary source of exquisitely designed and timeless products inspired by the rich folk art of traditional Palestinian needlework motifs; and to allow skilled craftswomen living in the refugee camps of Lebanon to earn a fair living from their artisan skills.

Women in historic Palestine traditionally embroidered their clothes and home accessories when preparing their trousseau, or kissweh. The traditional folk motifs were passed down from generation to generation were associated with the villages and regions they came from, and reflected the dreams and aspirations of the women who embroidered them. The needlepoint motifs represented fauna, trees, gardens, precious objects, and religious beliefs, and reflected everyday village life, rural scenes and a respect and love for nature. The names of some motifs are a witty glimpse of daily life: for example, ‘chickpeas and raisins’, ‘bottom of the coffee cup’ or ‘old man’s teeth’. Coming from a land of pilgrims and of spice and silk trade routes, these motifs have a rich history of symbolism and influences from around the world.

Follow: @kissweh