Resisting Occupation Through Cultural Nonmovement: Palestinian Embroidery as a Multipurpose Tool

Cultural resistance is central to Palestinian resistance. Cultural resistance can encompass various practices, such as arts, music, handicraft, literature, and film. Palestinians have been able to utilize handicrafts, particularly embroidery, for their own cause. By analyzing the overarching significance of embroidery in the life of Palestinians, this study answers the following question: what is the significance of embroidery to Palestinians and the Palestinian cause, and how is it utilized? This paper argues that Palestinian embroidery is used as a means for preserving national identity/heritage and combating economic difficulties. Employing Asef Bayat s theory of "social nonmovement," the paper shows not only the symbolic power of embroidery, but also the practical role this activity plays in the lives of many Palestinians, especially women. It examines the how embroidery was utilized in the past, all the way to the digital era.