Textiles of Palestine and Assisi Intertwine in Assisi

At a recent Assisi textile exhibit, a poster declares, embroidery can link peoples, “sharing a common thread.” The fascinating textile exhibit in the 14th- century medieval palazzo of Assisì, “citta’ della pace,” unites Palestine and Assisi.

Entitled “Unite da un filo d’amore” (“United by a thread of love”), the textile exhibit unites works of the punto Assisi (Assisi cross-stitch – originating in the 13th-century) along with Palestinian tatreez (Palestinian cross stitch done with silk thread on cotton and linen).

A poster in italiano at the entry presents the theme of the exhibit: “Embroidery is a very subtle form of communication. It is that which one can say about the relationship of one’s land and memory without words but with small signs, colors and symbols”:

The exquisite Palestinian embroidery of thob (traditonal Palestine garment) flanks the manifest:

Nearby, embroidered pillows of Palestine unite with a pillow embroidered with the Assisi cross-stitch (on a gold background). A figure in black veil wearing the thob stands on the right of the pillows:

Medieval instruments are displayed on a table draped with Palestinian embroidery, the Palestinian oud in the foreground.

Just opposite the table with musical instruments, a table was set with a punto Assisi table cloths embroidered in a burnished red and the lamp shade,too, was of a similar color.

Textiles draped behind the table had been created in 1926 (700th anniversary of the death of San Francesco) in the embroidery stitch of Jacopa de’ Settesoli, a noble Roman woman, follower of San Francesco.

Jacopa is buried in the Basilica di San Francesco near the tomb of San Francesco. History tells us that she wove the mantle (no longer existing) which was intended for the burial of the Saint.

To the left of these textiles, a table cloth embroidered in the Punto Assisi in blue and a runner in Punto Assisi in brown flanked a mannikin dressed in a Palestinian garment. On the bodice of the garment, dragon-like creatures took center stage. Today, Tiziana Borsellini, president of the Accademia Punto Assisi, guided me in the exhibit, pointing out to me the parallels and difference in the textiles of Palestine and Assisi

In the Palestinian embroidery, figures depicted are filled in whereas in Punto Assisi, the figures are outlined.

Note the filled-in griffin figures in the Palestinian embroidery below:

…..and similar figures in Punto Assisi:

Recurring symbols in both embroideries? Birds, symbolizing peace and dialogue (when facing each other); in fact, in Punto Assisi textiles, birds are often depicted on wedding gifts such as tablecloths and bedspreads.

…and the symbol of the two doves becomes the symbol of the Accademia Punto Assisi:

Griffin images often appear, too, as a motif: part eagle and part lion, the griffin symbolizes the dual nature, human and divine. Griffins are often embroidered on gifts for a new home such as pillows or lampshades:

Fish are often embroidered, too, and symbolize fertility and rebirth:

The seahorse symbolizes faith and eternal love and also represents resilience and patience and tenacity:

On an embroidered pillow, a winged lion – symbolizing intelligence and sovranity – faces a peacock which symbolizes immortality as well as resurrection and vanity:

On a recent visit, Tiziana Borsellini, director of the Accademia Punto Assisi, was showing visitors that pillow which had been made by her grandmother and had need restoration:

Truly a stunning collection of handwork and many of the pieces are so beautifully paired with Umbria maiolica pieces:

Naturalmente, here in Assisi, San Francesco and Santa Chiara are frequently depicted in textiles. Displayed was a textile depicting the two saints done many years ago by a woman who’s son was combatting in World War II. She sent it to him for his protection and he wore it folded and near his heart throughout the war. That young man returned safely to Assisi.

A textile done many years ago celebrated the 700th anniversary – in 1926 – of the death of San Francesco. Pax et bonum (“Peace and good”) – the greeting of San Francesco before he preached – is under the Saint’s image: