Local Handicrafts

Olive Wood Crafts

The tradition of crafting religious articles and souvenirs from olive wood in Beit Sahour indeed carries a rich historical legacy. Originating in the fourth century, it owes its beginnings to the monks who introduced the craft to the local populace following the construction of the Church of the Nativity. Initially centered around carving rosary beads from olive pits, this craft soon evolved to encompass a wider array of religious artifacts and decorative items.

The significance of olive wood in religious contexts cannot be overstated, given its association with the olive tree, a symbol of peace, prosperity, and spirituality in various faith traditions. The abundance of olive wood in the region facilitated the growth of this craft, with artisans honing their skills and passing down their expertise through generations.

Today, Beit Sahour’s olive wood industry has garnered international acclaim, attracting visitors and customers from around the world seeking finely crafted religious souvenirs and mementos. The intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship of these items serve as a testament to both the artisans’ skill and the enduring cultural heritage of the region.

Throughout generations, the art of olive wood carving has been passed down, making it one of the few professions to maintain such continuity. Today, olive wood carving remains one of the most significant artisanal crafts in Beit Sahour, attracting tourists from around the world who seek authentic religious and cultural souvenirs.

Woodcarving is the process of shaping wood into decorative and sculptural forms. Olive wood is used because it can be worked readily and accurately with simple hand tools. Also, it has a unique variety of natural color and tonal depth, due to the annular structure. It is also resistant to decay and receptive to a number of surfacing treatments. Rough cutting is usually carried out on machines programmed with the master design model. The finest, more detailed work – incorporating facial expressions and intricate details – must be chiseled by hand. After sanding, each item is machine buffed with special cloths infused with beeswax. This is the only finish they require. Varnish is avoided because it would eventually cause the olive wood to crack.

Over one thousand different gift items are made of olive wood including boxes, picture frames, covers for antique books, candleholders, rosaries, urns, vases and Christmas ornaments. Olive wood is even crafted into full nativity scenes with individual figures of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the three wise men, the shepherds and even cows and sheep. Often these scenes are enclosed in an open-sided stable surrounded by palm trees, with a shooting star hovering above them.

Beit Sahour has an abundance of private workshops that design and produce these artistic olive wood treasures, all professionally handmade by local craftsmen who have inherited the skills down through the generations.

Mother-of-Pearl

The mother-of-pearl industry is another special craft in Beit Sahour. It was started by Franciscan Friars from Damascus between the 14th and 16th centuries. They brought craftsmen from Geneva to teach locals. At first, they used mother-of-pearl from the Red Sea, which is thick enough to carve designs into. They take the mother-of-pearl from the shells and use it for mosaics. Skilled workers can make intricate patterns with it. The most popular items are jewelry, like crosses and earrings. Today, Beit Sahour has 50 olive wood workshops and 15 mother-of-pearl workshops.

Embroidery

Women in Beit Sahour have been practicing the art of embroidery for many generations. Palestinian embroidery has a long history, dating back to the 19th century. Girls traditionally learn this skill from their grandmothers, making it a cherished tradition passed down through families. The traditional women’s costumes in Palestine, which have been worn for over 4000 years, are still popular in the region, especially in nearby villages. These costumes are known for their intricate embroidery and fine needlework, which have captivated women both in the East and the West.

Tourists often purchase embroidered clothing and items like handkerchiefs, bed covers, runners, and tablecloths as souvenirs. These items command high prices due to the craftsmanship and time invested in creating them.

The traditional Palestinian dress is a long, flowing gown worn with a special head covering. The chest panel, called Qabbeh, is decorated with intricate embroidery using gold and silk threads. These designs are often unique to each village or town. Triangular pieces in bright colors like red or green adorn the sleeves and sides of the dress. A veil called tarbi’a is worn over the head, covering the shoulders and part of the back. Women may also tie a cashmere or wool shawl around their waist as a belt, and sometimes wear a short jacket called taksireh over the dress. During special occasions, dresses are embroidered with gold or silver threads instead of silk.

In winter, women may wear a short wool overcoat with red and black stripes. For convenience in daily tasks, women often tie the pointed sleeves of the dress at the back.