The women embroiderers of East Jerusalem live in the villages of Sur Baher and Umm Tuba, with some hailing from nearby Palestinian villages south of Jerusalem. While deeply rooted in their Palestinian identity, they also forge meaningful connections and integration with Western Israeli society. Their coexistence is evident in the friendship and interpersonal relationships they maintain with women from West Jerusalem and Israelis in general, including participating in joint meetings for embroidery, with the support of the Jerusalem Municipality Center. Historically, the colorful Palestinian embroidery adorned with gold threads was reserved for royalty and nobility as it was crafted by skilled artisans. Traditionally created by women at home, this art reflects their beliefs and traditions, wonderfully preserving the multicultural heritage of erstwhile Palestine through ancient motifs and knowledge passed down through generations. Photo by Yael Ilan Palestinian embroiderers typically learn their craft from their mothers, using traditional techniques and patterns from villages like Bethlehem, Negev, Jaffa, Tiberias, and Hait Khalil, and sometimes incorporate modern patterns such as flowers and decorative motifs.

In Otavalo, Ecuador, Kichwa weavers carry forward a pre-Inca textile heritage that expresses cultural memory, social identity, and community endurance. Wool from alpacas and sheep is handspun and woven on backstrap looms into garments and wall hangings that embody histories of exchange and belonging. Using natural dyes, artisans craft ancestral symbols in vibrant colors derived from native plants and minerals. Common motifs include llamas, sacred trees, and geometric patterns that represent the Andean life, symbolizing cosmology and continuity. Contemporary efforts focus on reviving these traditional practices through community workshops and sustainable dyeing, emphasizing zero-waste and ecological harmony. Against industrial pressures, this resurgence safeguards both environmental conservation and cultural meaning, upholding weaving as a living archive of Kichwa knowledge and resilience.