Lot 279: A TRADITIONAL HAND-EMBROIDERED PALESTINIAN THOBE DRESS, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

This Palestinian thobe is a traditional garment constructed from a black woven textile, likely cotton or a linen blend. The dress features extensive hand-applied embroidery executed in the tatreez cross-stitch technique. The decorative elements are organized into traditional panels including a rectangular chest panel known as a qabbeh, vertical side panels called banayeq, and panels along the wide sleeves and lower back. The embroidery is predominantly red with a palette of green, blue, yellow, and orange accents forming repeating geometric grids and stylized abstract symbols. The neckline is finished with a contrasting band of bright fuchsia fabric. The construction shows evidence of hand-stitching throughout. The style and motif layout are characteristic of the Negev or Naqab region.