Motifs Index
In the Middle East, names of motifs are frequently symbolic of everyday events, and life is told through embroidery motifs, from the origins of the person wearing the pieces to their daily encounters with the world in everyday life. It is a representation of who they are, where they come from, and who they hope to become. Here are some of our own motifs that you can recognize in our designs.
Olivier
The “Olivier” or olive tree motif is inspired by Lebanon’s incredible resources of olive trees: some of the oldest on earth (6,000 years old) are located in the Bchaaleh region. But the reason this motif was chosen is that olive branches are a notorious symbol of peace and prosperity in Mediterranean countries.
Carafe
The “Carafe” or إبريق refers to the traditional water jug designs of Lebanon, a symbol of artisanal craft, but that also evokes the pleasure of pouring your friend a glass of lemonade to slowly sip on a hot summer day.
Seed
The seed motif symbolizes the birth of a mental idea or concept, it is the moment when we plant a thought or feeling in our mind and choose whether it is something we want to grow or not, if it is something that will serve us or be detrimental to our values.
Sword
The sword motif represents thoughtfulness and mentorship, the ability to cut through ignorance and bring wisdom to our lives.
Eye
The eye motif is a talisman against the evil eye, a malicious look that stems from jealousy or envy and brings about misfortune. The motif protects against those things and is thought to reflect the evil glare back.
Tico
The Tico motif is inspired by the book “Tico and the golden wings” by Leo Leonni, which tells the story of a bird gifted with golden wings that gives all of its golden feathers away to help others, and whose life changes because of its generosity.
Threads of Fate
“Threads of fate” is a Palestinian embroidery motif that is commonly used alongside seams in traditional clothing. We interpret it as the opportunity to take agency over circumstances deemed beyond someone’s control, and to put fate back into the person’s hands.