In a new post titled “Rediscovering Palestinian Identity Through Fashion at the Brooklyn Museum,” I recount my visit to the museum with my friend Suzy Tamimi, a Palestinian fashion designer, on October 7, 2023. Despite the heavy news of the day, we chose to immerse ourselves in the groundbreaking exhibition “Africa Fashion” at the Brooklyn Museum. As a research fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I was eager to explore the representation of traditional African fashion alongside contemporary styles, a juxtaposition that resonated with my interest in Palestinian dress.
Suzy, known for her “Freedom Fighter” collection that merges traditional Palestinian embroidery with modern designs, was the perfect companion for this museum visit. The exhibition showcased the cultural renaissance in Africa following colonial rule, mirroring the resilience and creativity of Palestinians under occupation.
As we navigated through the museum, we stumbled upon a display of a traditional Palestinian dress, or thobe, adorned with Gaza motifs and intricate embroidery. However, the accompanying label referred to it as a generic “black robe” from “Palestine/Israel,” lacking the specificity and cultural context crucial to understanding its significance. As a Palestinian dress historian, I recognized the dress’s origins in Gaza and felt a deep sense of pride seeing it on display in Brooklyn, where my son was born.
The lack of comprehensive representation of Palestinian culture in museum spaces is a recurring issue, with Palestinian voices often marginalized or distorted in mainstream narratives. Determined to address this oversight, I engaged in discussions with the Brooklyn Museum curatorial staff to provide insights on the Palestinian dresses in their collection and revise the label for the Gaza thobe.
After collaborative efforts with the museum staff, a new wall label attributing the thobe to “Palestine (Gaza Region)” was installed on May 15, 2024, coinciding with the annual commemoration of al-Nakba. This symbolic gesture of recognition and belonging signifies the importance of preserving Palestinian heritage and identity in the face of erasure and misrepresentation.
The Gaza thobe, with its rich history and cultural significance, serves as a poignant reminder of Palestinian resilience and beauty. As I continue to advocate for the visibility of Palestinian arts and culture, I hope to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of Palestinian identity among global audiences. Through initiatives like revising museum labels and amplifying Palestinian voices, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of Palestinian heritage in cultural institutions.
