Mother-of-Pearl carving in Bethlehem

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Workers in mother-of-pearl. Photo taken 1900-1920 by American Colony, Jerusalem
Workers in mother-of-pearl. Photo taken 1900-1920 by American Colony, Jerusalem
Workers in mother-of-pearl. Photo taken 1900-1920 by American Colony
Workers in mother-of-pearl. Photo taken 1900-1920 by American Colony

Mother-of-Pearl carving has been a Bethlehem tradition since the art was introduced to the city by Franciscan friars from Damascus during the 14th century.[1]

Bethlehem's position as an important Christian city has for centuries attracted a constant stream of pilgrims. This generated much local work and income, also for women, including making mother-of-pearl souvenirs. According to Weir, Bethlehem women's employment in the mother-of-pearl industry goes back at least to the seventeenth century. It was noted by Pococke, 1745, II:40, who travelled there in 1697.[2]

Previously, most of the oysters for the mother-of-pearl supply came from the Red Sea. Today, however, Australia, California, New Zealand and Brazil are the main exporters.[1]

The first exhibition in the west of mother-of-pearl artifacts from Palestine was at The World Fair in New York in 1852. Two brothers, Giries and Ibrahim Mansur, exhibited their work and were a great success.[3]

Present day products, include crosses, earrings, brooches,[1] maps of Palestine,[4] and picture frames.[5]

Contents

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Bethlehem municipality website
  2. ^ Weir, p.128, 280, n.30
  3. ^ Tourist Products, Palestine-family.net, 23.01.2007, Source:"Bethlehem, The Immortal Town" by Giries Elali
  4. ^ Maps of Palestine
  5. ^ Picture frames

[edit] Bibliography

  • Weir, Shelagh (1989). Palestinian Costume, London: British Museum Publications Ltd. ISBN 0-7141-2517-2. (exhibition catalog)

[edit] See also

[edit] External links