Embroidered clothing and home decor has been a feature of Middle Eastern Life far back into antiquity. The art traditionally is handed down from mothers to daughters, often passing on designs that are particular to their village, clan, ethnic or religious group. 

In recent years there have been many projects to revive the art, and maintain it for posterity, while providing often the poorest of women the opportunity to develop an independent income. This development is fostered by local cooperatives, fair trade enterprises, NGOs, and entrepreneurs.

Featured here is a wide variety of traditional and modern designs, all employing the same painstaking handwork that is the hallmark of fine embroidery.