Palestinian Hirbawi Kufiya
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Please read before buying
Our Hirbawi keffiyeh are sourced from two main channels: 1) Our contact in the West Bank buys them directly from the factory in Al-Khalil for us and 2) He purchases Hirbawi keffiyeh from vetted and reliable local merchants in the West Bank, Palestine - their procurement is traced back to the Hirbawi factory in Hebron. Sourcing from locals, allows us to support multiple Palestinian livelihoods, particularly those impacted by the significant decline in tourism.
These Hirbawi keffiyeh have the original Arabic label and not .org label. As a business we cannot purchase from Germany, (we tried), the .org labels are solely for e-commerce sales.
As a business built on the foundation to help others esp. makers dependent on traditional crafts selling counterfeit or machine made products does not align with our brand mission or values and more importantly our morals as Muslims. If you trust us and what we stand for, please proceed to buy. Thank you for your support.
About Hirbawi
The Hirbawi factory and its artisans have woven the authentic Kufiya since 1961. Hirbawi Kufiya is now the only keffiyeh still being actively produced in Palestine. To the world the kufiya / keffiyeh will forever be a symbol of liberty. Those who wear it express their desire to see all people, across the world, live peacefully and with self-determination.
A symbol of Liberty
In the classic Palestinian kufiya / keffiyeh, there are three main patterns featured, including fishnets, bold routes and olive leaves. The most famous fishnet pattern, which slightly resembles the houndstooth pattern, represents Palestinian sailors and the Mediterranean sea. Fishing was a huge aspect of Palestinian life, especially in Jaffa and Haifa. Secondly, the bold routes and lines featured symbolised trade routes of natural & cultural merchant exchange. Lastly, the wavy olive leaves represent perseverance, strength & resilience. Olive trees are a huge symbol of Palestine as well as Palestinian struggle, as it showcases the attachment to the land even as many olive farmers lose their land and beloved olive trees.
Keffiyeh / Kufiya
The keffiyeh, also known as a “kufiya”, “shemagh” or “hattah”, is a square-shaped cotton scarf. Traditionally worn over the head or shoulders by farmers, the last century has seen a revival of the Kufiya as it became synonymous with the quest for Palestinian freedom and independence.
Adopted by freedom fighters in the 1930’s Arab Revolt, this traditional arabic scarf or headress became the uniform Palestinian rebels, in their resistance against the occupation of the British Empire. Today the Palestinian kufiya, famous for its black & white pattern, is worn across the world by those standing in solidarity with Palestine.
